Fillings
fix years of decay, trauma, and / or wear
Benefits of Fillings
Fillings are restorative materials used to treat teeth affected by decay, wear or trauma. Typically I use white composite fillings. There are however other materials such as amalgam (silver filling), which in some instances may be advisable. Regardless of the filling material employed, the first step is for all the decay to be cleaned out and a cavity preparation made to receive the filling material of choice. The filling is then shaped and polished to ensure it functions, looks and feels like your natural tooth. It is common to experience minor sensitivity immediately after a new filling has been placed. Generally, sensitivity subsides in a matter of weeks. It is important to recognize that teeth even if restored can still get re-decayed. It is thus critical to maintain effective daily oral hygiene.
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What is Tooth Decay?
Many people are not aware that dental decay is actually the world’s most common heath problem. Cavities develop as a result of bacterial plaque forming on the surfaces of our teeth. The foods we eat provide oral bacteria with the ingredients necessary to produce harmful acids. It is the acid bacteria produce that overtime eats away at our teeth and eventually creates a sticky hole-decay. If left untreated, this break in tooth structure leads to thermal sensitivity (pain to hot and cold), biting pain (pain on function) and irritation to sweets. To best prevent tooth decay plaque must be removed from our teeth twice daily. Nevertheless, there are times when despite our best efforts, tooth decay develops and this process can occur at any age. This is the rationale behind establishing an oral hygiene maintenance regime supplemented by effective twice daily personal home care to ensure early detection and prevention of oral health issues.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The area is fully numbed first, so you should not feel the filling itself, only some mild pressure.
Fillings commonly last 7 to 10 years or more with good brushing, flossing, and regular checkups, and Dr. Novack checks them at every visit so a small issue does not become a bigger one.
Dr. Novack will review your options and recommend what best fits the tooth, your bite, and your goals. Ask our team about materials when you book.
Sometimes. For very large areas of decay, Dr. Novack may recommend a crown instead for extra strength, and will tell you which applies to your tooth.
You might notice sensitivity, a visible spot, or discomfort when eating, but many cavities cause no symptoms in the early stages. That is why regular checkups matter, since Dr. Novack can spot early decay at your exam and treat it while it is small.
