Red Bank Dental Fillings
Dental Fillings In Red Bank
Untreated cavities in Red Bank can lead to complications such as tooth infections, which require costly, invasive treatments like root canals and dental crowns. Untreated, cavities can even cause tooth loss.
If you think you may have a cavity, even a minor one, you should see a Red Bank dentist at Santo Dental Group right away. Dr. Michael Santo, Dr. Miles Santo, and Dr. Katelyn Domingues are here to restore your smile with high-quality tooth-colored dental fillings in Red Bank. Learn more below, or contact us now for an appointment.
What Is A Dental Filling? How Does It Work?
Dental fillings are usually made out of either “metal-amalgam,” which contains silver, mercury, tin, and copper, or from composite resin. We prefer composite dental fillings, since they can be matched to the color of your teeth, provide a tighter hold, and require less enamel removal during the preparation process.
Fillings work by replacing damaged and decayed enamel. If you have a cavity, the decayed enamel will continue to eat through your tooth if left untreated. During a filling treatment, decayed enamel is removed and the remaining cavity is filled with a biocompatible material, such as composite resin.
The resin will be applied directly to the tooth. Then it’s sculpted until it mimics the shape and appearance of your natural tooth and bite. By removing damaged enamel and filling the tooth, your dentist at Santo Dental Group will be able to halt the progression of decay and restore your oral health.
What Are The Signs That I Need A Filling?
If you have a tooth that feels a bit sensitive or sore, particularly when you consume hot and cold foods or drinks, or when you eat very sugary foods, you may have a cavity. Another common sign of a cavity is tooth sensitivity to the pressure of chewing or biting.
If you feel significant pain or a toothache, you may have a very deep cavity. In some cases, you may also be able to see larger cavities visually. Using a mirror, you can look for brown and black spots or visible pitting and holes in your teeth.
The only way to be sure that you have a cavity is to see a dentist in Red Bank. So don’t wait. Call Santo Dental Group at (732) 530-1003 for a checkup in Red Bank right away.
The Dental Filling Process
The process of placing a filling is minimally-invasive, and can be done within a single 1-hour appointment at Santo Dental Group. Your Red Bank dentist will begin by cleaning and disinfecting the area, and then numbing your mouth with local anesthetic.
Once the area is sufficiently numb, your dentist will use a dental drill to remove the decayed enamel from your tooth. Then, they will clean and disinfect the remaining tooth structure. Next, they will pick out a composite filling material that matches your teeth and place it directly on the prepared tooth.
After the resin is applied, your dentist will sculpt, shape, and trim it until your bite feels natural with your surrounding teeth. Once everything feels right, your newly-filled tooth will be buffed and polished a final time, and your smile will be restored.