Dental Fillings and Cavities
What is a filling?
Fillings are used to treat cavities, or holes in your teeth, as well as to repair broken or cracked teeth. This repair blocks further damage from being done to your teeth. Placing fillings is one of the most common dental procedures and our office handles this procedures every day. A filling is a simple repair that involves placing an amalgam or composite material in the cavity and restoring the tooth's original contours. Thereafter the tooth should feel comfortable and back to normal.
Before and after images of teeth with cavities and teeth with composite fillings
Prior to placing a filling, Dr. Chirco will numb the area around the tooth where the filling will placed using local anesthesia. Next, she will remove the decayed area skillfully and making every effort to minimize pain. Thereafter she will place the filling(s). A filling is the material that fills the hole, or cavity, to block further damage from being done. A filling is a simple repair that involves placing an amalgam or composite material in the cavity and restoring the tooth's original contours. Thereafter the tooth should feel comfortable and back to normal.
image of our patient's cavity before and after dental filling. click for larger image.
For a little more information on cavities, take a look at our blog post entitled "What is a Cavity?"
In addition to regularly brushing and flossing your teeth, checkups and cleanings twice a year help prevent cavities by minimizing plaque and bacteria. Please call our Los Alamitos dental office (562) 430-7310 or click on the link below to schedule an appointment for a full dental examination.
