Dental fillings are the restorative process of filling a hole in a tooth that is the from decay or a fracture.
Dental Fillings
Dental fillings are the restorative process of filling a hole in a tooth that is the from decay or a fracture. Dental fillings then cover that hole in your tooth to protect the sensitive pulp and prevent any further damage. Decay is the result of bacterial infections. Bacteria clings to your teeth when they are not brushed or flossed correctly, but also from lifestyle habits, a poor diet, medication, drug use, medical conditions and more.
The entire team at Missouri River Dental is committed to providing a patient experience unlike any other. The foundation of that philosophy is our personable and professional staff. We collectively strive to blend technology, art, and healthcare for each patient. Our goal is to provide you with an individualized patient experience unlike any other you have had at a dental office. We strive to create a positive and comfortable atmosphere for our patients while still meeting their dental needs, wishes, and exceeding expectations. Call us today at 701-751-7177 or enter your request online to schedule an appointment for your evaluation regarding the benefits of a dental filling treatment for you. You can conveniently find Missouri River Dental at 1600 Uptown Lane, Bismarck, ND, 58503.
There are various dental treatments that are used to correct tooth decay. One of the oldest and most common forms of treatment are dental fillings. Cavities are quite common. About 92 percent of U.S. adults ages 20 to 64 have had a cavity according to the National Institutes of Health. A dental filling helps prevent further decay in the tooth and will allow your tooth to function normally. The types of fillings have improved with technology, and it is now easy and fast to have a cavity treated at Missouri River Dental.
Different Types of Dental Fillings
There are several kinds of material used for dental fillings today. These still include traditional metal fillings, as well as composite fillings, which are newer and growing in popularity.
- White tooth-color fillings (composites)- These fillings are a combination of quartz and glass particles and acrylic resin. This material is durable and costs a little more than metal amalgams.
- Glass ionomer fillings- Also tooth-colored but not as strong as the composites. They are made of acrylic and a type of glass that contains fluoride which will help prevent cavities. They are often advisable for children’s teeth.
- Porcelain fillings- Almost as expensive as gold fillings, but they look natural. They are created in a dental lab after we take an impression of the tooth.
- Gold fillings- This mix of gold, copper, and other metals is exceptionally durable but more expensive. They also do not look natural. Gold fillings are also fabricated in a dental lab after we take an impression of your tooth.
Candidate for a Dental Filling?
If you visit Missouri River Dental for your regular exams and checkups, we will find cavities early. The sooner a cavity is addressed, the better the results for your tooth, and the less invasive the corrective treatment will be. This sounds like a good reason to schedule your regular dental checkups.
Here are a few warning signs of a cavity:
- There is a hole or pit in a tooth.
- You have a continuous ache in the tooth.
- Your tooth is sensitive to hot or cold foods and drinks.
- There is also an increased sensitivity to sugary foods and drinks.
- The tooth looks stained, either white or a darker color.
We will use a small handheld mirror to closely examine the surfaces of your teeth, and anything that looks abnormal will be inspected with a small handheld tool called an explorer and then X-rayed. The dental filling treatment will be based on the extent of damage and the type of filling chosen.
dr. anderson
MISSOURI RIVER DENTAL
“I believe in comprehensive, quality oral health care that is patient-centered. I strive to create a positive and comfortable experience for each patient while still meeting their dental needs, wishes and expectations.”
our team
MISSOURI RIVER DENTAL
At Missouri River Dental, our goal is to create an exceptional patient experience. We strive to exceed that experience through being compassionate, clinically thorough and providing excellent communication.
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The Dental Filling Procedure
Dental fillings are simple and common. To begin, Missouri River Dental will examine the tooth and use specific dental instruments to inspect the cavity. We will take an X-ray of the tooth to document the extent of the decay.
Next, we will administer a local anesthetic to numb the immediate area. This will prevent any discomfort. You could not even need an anesthetic if the cavity is shallow and just on the surface of the tooth.
Once the area and tooth are numb, we will most often use a dental drill to remove the decay. Then, we will sterilize and prepare the area and apply the filling into the hole. Some types of fillings are cured, or hardened, with a blue wavelength light.
To finish, we will polish the tooth and check to make sure that your bite alignment is still correct.
Dental Fillings Aftercare
Once your dental filling procedure is completed, you may continue to have a numbing sensation in the area for a few hours. When the numbness has worn off, you can go about your normal daily activities. You simply need to treat your dental filling just like you should the rest of your teeth. Continuing to properly brush and floss daily will ensure your dental filling lasts a long time.
During your regular exams and check-ups with Missouri River Dental, we will check the integrity of the filling and make sure that no further decay has appeared. You could experience some mild sensitivity after your treatment as well. This is common and will soon subside.
If you have discomfort or pain with the tooth, call us right away. If your dental filling ever cracks or falls out, schedule an appointment to have it repaired or replaced to prevent any further damage with the tooth.
Changing the Dental Experience Norm
One Patient at a Time
Missouri River Dental provides you with a clean, comfortable, and modern feel. Our team goal is to provide you with the best possible care utilizing the most current dental technologies and services. The entire team at Missouri River Dental focuses on providing comprehensive, quality oral health care that is always centered on you, our patient. We appreciate the value of your time. That is why we are flexible with our hours of operation; open early, open late, and open Saturdays. Call us now at 701-751-7177 or make your appointment online for your personal evaluation and consultation regarding the benefits of a dental filling treatment for you. Our office is located at 1600 Uptown Lane, Bismarck, ND, 58503.