Dental Fillings in McMinnville

What are Dental Fillings?

Dental fillings are a common dental procedure used to restore teeth damaged by decay back to their normal function and shape. When our McMinnville dentist gives you a filling, they first remove the decayed tooth material, clean the affected area, and then fill the cleaned-out cavity with a filling material. This filling will help prevent further decay by closing off any cracks or spaces where bacteria can enter. In McMinnville, Dr. Frances Golly at All About Smiles is an experienced professional who provides high-quality dental fillings to her patients.

The Dental Fillings Treatment Process

The dental fillings treatment process involves a series of steps to ensure the tooth is properly cleaned and filled to prevent further decay.

Invisalign Treatment Process

Examination and X-ray

The first step in the dental filling process is a thorough examination of the patient's teeth. Dr. Golly will use a small mirror to inspect the surfaces of each tooth. Anything that looks abnormal will then be closely checked with special instruments. If necessary, an X-ray may be taken to get a more detailed look at the tooth and determine the extent of the decay.

Removal of Decay

Once the decayed tooth has been identified, the next step is to remove the decay. Dr. Golly will use a drill, air abrasion instrument, or laser to remove the decay. The choice of instrument depends on the extent of the decay, the cost, and the dentist's comfort level with the equipment. During this process, the area around the tooth will be numbed with a local anesthetic.

Filling the Tooth

After all decay has been removed, the tooth is ready to be filled. If the decay was near the root, a liner made of glass ionomer, composite resin, or other material may be put in the tooth to protect the nerve. Once this is complete, Dr. Golly will then polish the tooth and check your bite to ensure comfort and a natural feel.

The Benefits Of Dental Fillings

Dental fillings have numerous benefits, especially when it comes to improving oral health and function.

Restores Tooth Function and Structure

One of the main benefits of dental fillings is that they restore the normal function and structure of the teeth. After the decayed tooth material is removed, the fillings help provide support to the tooth structure and prevent it from breaking. They also restore the tooth’s function, so you can eat and speak normally.

Prevents Further Decay

Dental fillings serve as a barrier, protecting the teeth from further decay. By sealing off spaces where bacteria can enter, fillings help prevent further decay and protect the tooth from getting infected.

Cosmetic Enhancement

Dental fillings can also enhance the appearance of your teeth. Composite fillings, in particular, can be closely matched to the color of your existing teeth, providing a more natural appearance than amalgam (silver) fillings. This makes them a good choice for visible parts of the mouth, such as the front teeth. With dental fillings, you can smile confidently, knowing your teeth look great and are protected from decay.

How Does Invisalign Work?

Remove stains and discoloration to brighten your smile
Repair cracks or fractures
Fill gaps between teeth
Correct overcrowding
Correct teeth shape
Replace missing teeth
Replace outdated metallic restorations like fillings and crowns

Porcelain Veneers

Veneers that are custom crafted to each tooth provide an artist’s touch to your smile. Veneers can offer a solution for nearly any goal you hope to achieve for your smile. Today’s modern materials combined with our passion for cosmetic excellence result in a smile that will amaze you each time you look in the mirror.

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Family & Implant Dentist In McMinnville, OR | All About Smiles