A dental filling is a dental procedure used to restore part of a tooth that has been damaged by decay. The goal with a filling is to remove the decayed area, clean it well, and “fill” the space with a material, returning the tooth to its normal shape and, hopefully, normal function. There are a number of materials that can be used for a tooth filling. Composite (white, or shaded to match the color of your remaining teeth) is the most common material used at our practice.
The most obvious signs of a cavity or decay are pain or sensitivity around the affected area, or food suddenly getting caught between teeth. You should call your dentist as soon as you feel pain or when cold drinks or hot foods cause you to jump with discomfort or tingling.
Because pain occurs when a cavity is already fairly large, it’s important to be seen quickly when you feel pain. We leave time in our schedules for emergency appointments!
Visual Assessment: Our dentist will do a visual assessment and look around your mouth, most carefully around the area where you complain of pain. At this point, they are looking for the most obvious signs of a cavity: cracks, discoloration, white colored lesions, or even rough parts or “spots” on the outside of your teeth.
X-Rays: After the dentist finishes a visual examination and has palpated around the inside of your mouth, they will most likely have a set of dental x-rays taken. These images give the most in-depth look at your teeth. They allow the dentist to determine if there is, in fact, a cavity, as well as the size and severity of any cavities present.
An x-ray will give our dentist the most accurate picture of what’s needed when deciding between a filling or a more drastic treatment, like a root canal.
Diagnosis and Treatment Plan: At this point in the examination, you will be given a synopsis of the dentist’s findings and a course of action.
We understand that your entire family is essential to you, so we pledge to treat everyone like family while they visit us.
You’ll find that our office has a warm, welcoming atmosphere that you can’t find at many other practices. We want you to feel at home during your visits, which is why we’ve designed our office with your comfort in mind.
Our team ensures that the waiting room is pleasant and that the receptionist is welcoming and helpful. Our dentists are dedicated to giving the best service possible!
Charlotte Dental Associates provides top quality dental care to every patient. We offer a wide variety of dental services for the whole family in a caring, welcoming environment. Our proven treatments and techniques will help make a positive impact on our patients' dental and overall health.
request an appointmentAt Charlotte Dental Associates, we are committed to providing our patients with the highest standard of care at the most affordable price. Our team is committed to helping you improve your smile and boost your self-confidence.
We want to help you maintain optimal oral health throughout your lifespan. You’ll receive personalized care and excellent customer service when you visit us.
You’ll notice that we go above and beyond to accommodate your needs and make you feel comfortable. You’ll feel right at home in our welcoming office. Visit us today to discover how we can improve your smile and oral health.
