Restore your smile after a cavity with a filling that blends right in with your natural tooth.
Cavities are one of the most common dental problems our Anchorage, AK, dentist Dr. Timothy Lethin sees. We see it in kids, teens, and adults of all ages. While proper brushing and flossing can protect you from decay, sometimes this problem still happens. If you have a decayed tooth, you’ll certainly benefit from a tooth-colored filling.
What is a dental filling?
Dental fillings are used to restore the decayed parts of a tooth. Getting a dental filling is usually the last step after your Anchorage, AK, dentist has removed the decayed areas of the tooth. The filling material is then used to replace the cavity and help restore the shape of your tooth.
Why are dental fillings necessary?
It’s important that bacteria and other decay aren’t allowed to break through tooth enamel. To prevent this from happening to your tooth again, our dental team will place the dental filling not only to repair and restore your tooth but also to seal out any decay.
Why should I choose a tooth-colored filling?
In the past, dental fillings were made from a wide range of materials but today, our Anchorage, AK, dentists primarily use composite resin to fill teeth after cavities. The resin is easily matched to the color of your tooth so no one will even notice your filling once it’s placed.
Plus, the resin is bonded directly to the tooth, so we don’t have to remove more enamel than is necessary to make room for your filling. With the proper care, tooth-colored fillings can also last up to 10 or more years before needing to be replaced.
How do you get a dental filling?
Local anesthesia is administered first, to numb the area before we treat the tooth. Once the area is numb, we will drill away the decayed parts of enamel from your tooth. We will begin to apply the composite filling in layers. After molding each layer, we will use a laser to harden it before applying the next layer. We will continue to mold and harden the resin until we have completely restored the damaged parts of your tooth. Once the filling has been placed, we will give your tooth a good polish, and then you’re good to go.
If your Anchorage, AK, family dentist finds a cavity at your next dental cleaning you’ll now know exactly what to expect when you get a tooth-colored filling from Dr. Lethin and his team. If you need to schedule a cleaning, or if you think you might have a cavity, call us today at (907) 337-9474.