17167 Cedar Gulch Parkway #104 Parker, CO 80134
The Role of Drilling in Fillings
A dental filling is a restorative material designed to repair the functionality and appearance of a tooth affected by decay.
Ever wondered, “Why do fillings require drilling?” Unlike other parts of your body, teeth cannot regenerate or heal themselves when damaged. To restore your tooth’s integrity, we must first eliminate the decay. This process involves using a drill to remove the damaged portion before applying the filling. While this may temporarily enlarge the cavity, it ensures all decay is eradicated, safeguarding your tooth from further harm.
How Dental Fillings Protect Your Teeth?
Dental fillings are used to repair cavities—small holes formed by bacterial acids that break down tooth enamel. Without treatment, cavities can deepen, eventually compromising the entire tooth. Fillings halt the decay process, preserving the tooth and preventing more extensive and costly treatments in the future.
Choosing the Right Filling Material for Your Smile
Modern dentistry offers several filling materials, each suited to different needs and preferences. The material chosen depends on the tooth’s condition, cosmetic goals, and budget. At Castlewood Dental, we prioritize advanced, tooth-colored options like composite resin and porcelain for their durability and natural appearance.
Common Filling Materials:
- Gold: Durable and long-lasting, but noticeable.
- Amalgam (Silver): Strong and affordable, typically used on molars.
- Composite Resin: Tooth-colored, blends seamlessly with natural teeth.
- Porcelain: Stain-resistant and aesthetically pleasing, ideal for visible areas.
Our preference for tooth-colored materials ensures a natural look, whether the filling is for front or back teeth. Your dentist will help you choose the material that best fits your needs.
Step-by-step Guide to the Dental Filling Procedure
Dental fillings are a quick and effective way to restore your tooth’s health and functionality. The filling procedure is straightforward and usually completed in one visit:
Numbing the Area
If necessary, a local anesthetic will be administered to ensure your comfort. For minor fillings, numbing may not be required, but feel free to discuss your preferences with .
Removing Decay
To restore a tooth affected by a cavity, the dentist uses a specialized dental drill to gently and precisely remove the decayed portion. This step ensures that all damaged areas are cleared away, preventing further spread of decay and preparing the tooth for a filling or other restoration.
Shaping the Tooth
Additional shaping may be done to ensure the filling fits snugly. The inner surfaces may also be etched with an acid gel to improve adhesion.
Placing the Filling
If a resin-based filling material is used, the dentist will apply a special curing light to the treated area. This light quickly hardens and strengthens the resin, allowing it to bond securely with the tooth and restore its natural shape, function, and durability for long-lasting protection.
Polishing
Finally, the restored tooth is carefully polished to create a smooth, natural-looking surface. This step enhances comfort, ensures a proper bite, and blends the filling seamlessly with your surrounding teeth for a healthy, confident smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
A filling is placed directly into a small or medium cavity during one visit. Inlays and onlays, however, are custom-made restorations crafted in a dental lab for larger cavities or damaged areas. Inlays fit within the tooth’s surface, while onlays extend over one or more cusps to provide added strength and durability.
Composite resin fillings are natural-looking restorations made from a blend of fine glass and plastic. They bond securely to your tooth, blending seamlessly with your smile while preserving more healthy tooth structure. Composite is durable, versatile, and ideal for both front and back teeth.
Although metal fillings are durable, they can expand or contract with temperature changes, sometimes leading to cracks. Their dark, silver color also makes them more noticeable. Tooth-colored composites offer a stronger bond, natural appearance, and a safer, more aesthetic alternative.
With good oral hygiene and routine dental care, composite fillings can last 5–10 years or longer. Longevity depends on the material used, the size of the restoration, and your eating and brushing habits. Regular dental visits help ensure your fillings remain strong and secure.
No. The procedure is comfortable and performed under local anesthesia to ensure you don’t feel pain. You might experience mild sensitivity after treatment, but it usually subsides within a few days as your tooth adjusts.
