Dental Fillings at Aesthetic Dental Center of Bergen County

Your mouth harbors bacteria at all times. Much of this bacteria is harmless, while others can cause tooth decay by secreting acids that eat away at your tooth enamel. This eventually leads to a hole in the tooth, known as a cavity. Left untreated, a cavity can result in a serious tooth infection or abscess that can even require a root canal or tooth extraction. The good news is that we can prevent this from happening by giving you a dental filling.

If you have a cavity, we will need to remove the decayed part of your tooth and fill in this empty space with a dental filling. We use dental fillings to repair broken or cracked teeth and those that have experienced wear and tear.

Tooth Decay

When tooth decay progresses, it can reach the sensitive, inner part of the tooth known as the dental pulp. This soft tissue contains many nerves and blood vessels to support each tooth. By the time infection reaches here, a root canal procedure may be necessary to save the tooth.

If we can detect the progression of tooth decay at an earlier stage, before it has reached the dental pulp, we can place a dental filling, which is far preferable than a more serious procedure like a root canal.

What To Expect

Please allocate time for your appointment in order not to be rushed. This gives us sufficient time to take any needed x-rays, go over the details of your procedure, and actually complete the needed dental procedure. Before we place your dental filling, we will completely numb your tooth and gums to ensure your comfort. Next, we will drill away all tooth decay, replacing it with a dental filling.

When your procedure is complete, your mouth will stay numb for a few hours. Filling cavities is a fairly straightforward procedure that does not typically involve significant risk. However, keep our contact information close by if you should have any questions or experience any unexpected complications.

Composite fillings, sometimes known as filled resins or composites, are made up of a mixture of glass or quartz filler. They are constructed to mimic the natural color of your teeth. This material is quite strong and optimal for smaller restorations in parts of the mouth that involve moderate chewing force.

Caring for Dental Fillings

It is not uncommon to experience some level of sensitivity or discomfort after the placement of dental fillings. However, this discomfort fades quickly for most patients. Keep up with your oral care routine after receiving your dental filling. You may want to switch to special toothpaste that is designed for sensitive teeth.

Have you noticed that you have one or more missing dental fillings? Or do you suspect that you may require fillings due to tooth decay? If so, please reach out to the office of Aesthetic Dental Center of Bergen County and book your appointment.