Dental Fillings

Restorative Dental Fillings in Aurora, CO

Dental fillings are a restorative treatment to help prevent tooth problems from worsening. Southland Smiles provides dental fillings in Aurora, CO, as part of the restorative dentistry program we offer to the community. They are affordable and effective, with a variety of choices to choose from to fit your dental restorative needs.

What are Dental Fillings?

Dental fillings are materials used to repair or restore teeth. They can be single or a combination of metals, polymers, glass, or other materials. Fillings are most commonly used to “fill” cavities, which are areas of the tooth that have been removed due to decay. They also restore cracked or broken teeth and teeth worn down by habits like nail-biting and tooth-grinding.

The most common material used for dental fillings is composite resin. It’s a tooth-colored material that is a combination of glass and plastic. There was a time when silver fillings were more popular because of their durability. Yet, they are not aesthetically pleasing. For this reason and the technological advancements in composite resin-making, tooth-colored dental fillings won the approval of patients and dentists alike.

How do Dental Fillings Work?

At Southland Smiles, we offer dental fillings in Aurora, CO, to help our patients restore their smiles and prevent any more tooth damage. During a dental filling treatment, we will remove and clean the area of your tooth that has decay. When the tooth dries, your dentist will spread a strong bonding chemical on the cavity surface and fill the space with tooth-colored dental fillings. Afterward, a blue wave curing light will help the composite resin completely bond to the tooth.

The dental filling material your dentist will use varies in composition depending on your needs. If you’re having a dental filling in the front teeth, the composite resin material should be polishable to resemble genuine teeth. On the other hand, dental fillings should have more strength if you need them for your back teeth. Dental fillings can endure up to seven years or more with proper care and regular oral check-ups.

When to Get Dental Fillings

There are a few ways to determine whether you need to see your dentist and get a dental filling. 

1. You can see indications of a cavity.

You should schedule a dental appointment immediately if you see any visible decay on your tooth. Even when a cavity doesn’t yet appear to be a hole, it may be indicated by a dark patch.

Some cavities can be small while others can be large enough to feel with your tongue. In either case, you should get dental fillings right away to protect the tooth from further damage.

2. Your tooth is aching.

If you are experiencing toothache or any other type of tooth pain, don’t put off visiting a dentist. It is usually a sign of an issue that has to be addressed immediately whether the pain is constant or intermittent. A cavity is the common cause of toothache; although the hole may not be big enough to be noticed, it must be filled all the same. 

3. You have a sensitive tooth.

A cavity that needs dental filling may also be indicated by a tooth that is sensitive to hot and cold meals and liquids. Teeth become more sensitive due to decay since it increases the tooth’s ability to absorb heat and cold.

4. You lost an old filling.

You need another dental filling when an old one falls out or becomes loose. A tooth that has had a filling removed is now weaker and more brittle. In addition, if the filling is not replaced immediately, it will degrade eventually.

In order for your dentist to assess your existing dental work and ensure that fillings and crowns are in good condition, you should also see them every six months. As dental crowns and fillings age, they may start moving away from the tooth, letting bacteria and rot spread.

5. You have a cracked or chipped tooth.

A dental filling may be used to fix a chipped or broken tooth, depending on the extent of the damage. After examining it, your dentist will advise on the best course of action for tooth repair.

Seamless Tooth Repair: Fillings for Strong Smiles

At Southland Smiles, our dentists are highly competent and experienced in placing dental fillings to ensure they precisely match the original tooth’s texture, color, and luster. Our team is dedicated to offering only the highest quality dental fillings in Aurora, CO.

Scheduling a dental appointment with Dr. Keturka is easy. Just call 720-782-8639 or click here to schedule today. We look forward to serving you and establishing excellent dental health.