Dental Fillings
White Palm Dental - Melbourne, Florida
Dental Fillings
White Palm Dental
Melbourne, Florida
Treatments
Do you have a decayed or painful tooth? Even with the most meticulous oral hygiene practices, anyone can develop cavities. The good news is that repairing cavities using dental fillings is usually a quick and relatively comfortable procedure. Our dedicated team at White Palm Dental will help restore your healthy, functional smile.
Tooth fillings can address:
- Tooth decay and cavities
- Tooth wear due to teeth grinding
- Tooth chips or fracture
Dental fillings repair tooth decay, preventing further deterioration of the tooth structure, which may otherwise lead to pain, infection, or even tooth loss.
What Are Dental Fillings?
Unlike the rest of your body, your teeth can’t heal on their own if they have decay or cavities. Dental fillings are restorations we use to restore your teeth to proper health and function.
At White Palm Dental, we offer tooth-colored and amalgam fillings. The type of filling that’s right for you will depend on your unique needs and personal preferences. Dr. McGavin will recommend what’s best for you, and ultimately provide the type of restoration you feel most comfortable with, after being informed of all the options.
Tooth-Colored Fillings: Tooth-colored fillings are created from a composite resin material that can be closely matched to your natural teeth. The esthetic material has been refined and improved upon over the years and now offers an excellent solution to repair cavities in the front and back teeth. Aside from treating cavities, composite fillings can repair minor chips, wear, and tooth fractures. In most cases, tooth-colored fillings are an excellent option for a restoration.
Amalgam Fillings: These time-tested restorations are incredibly sturdy and durable. Their main drawback is their silver color, which can interfere with your smile. Despite the controversy surrounding the mercury component, the American Dental Association has deemed silver amalgam fillings safe and effective for most patients based on numerous studies. In some severe cases, amalgam fillings may be the best and only option for a restoration.
The Importance of Restoring a Decayed Tooth
If a cavity is not treated, it can lead to dental and health complications, some of which can be serious. The decay will continue to grow and affect the deeper layers of the tooth, leading to increased pain and sensitivity. It can also cause infection and even an abscess.
The longer the cavity is left untreated, the more complex and costly the treatments. Instead of a simple filling, you may need a root canal, crown, or even an extraction and dental implant or bridge. The infection can also spread to other parts of the body, leading to serious health concerns.
What Is the Dental Filling Procedure?
After numbing the area, Dr. McGavin will remove the decayed portion of the affected tooth and clean the area. Next, he will place the filling and shape it to resemble your natural teeth. In the case of tooth-colored fillings, a curing light will help harden the material. Dr. McGavin is committed to using the best filling and bonding materials and the best research-backed techniques to deliver restorations with long-lasting results.
Why Repair Teeth with Dental Fillings?
- They Restore Function: Dental fillings restore the function of your teeth, allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods without pain.
- They Prevent Complications: Treating cavities helps prevent them from growing and wreaking havoc on your oral health.
- They Enhance the Strength of Your Teeth: The dental filling material will strengthen your tooth structure, lowering the risk of fracture.
How Should You Care for Teeth with Fillings?
The best way to ensure the longevity of your restorations is to maintain good oral hygiene. Make sure you brush and floss daily to remove plaque and food particles. If you grind your teeth in your sleep, we recommend wearing a night guard to prevent further wear or damage. Limit sugary or acidic foods or beverages to prevent new decay from forming, and avoid hard foods like ice or rock candy to prevent damage to your restoration or your natural tooth enamel. We encourage you to keep up with routine dental exams and cleanings to address any concerns as they develop.
Dental Fillings Near Me in Melbourne, FL
Would you like to learn more about treating tooth decay with dental fillings?
Call White Palm Dental at 321-473-6920 to schedule your appointment, or book online today! Dr. McGavin and our dedicated team look forward to caring for all your dental needs!
Schedule Your Appointment
Scheduling a dental appointment is easy with our user-friendly online scheduling system. We are already accepting new patient appointments for Summer 2024 when booked online.