When the decayed area is small, our dentists can treat it with a minor, minimally invasive restoration called a filling. Fillings are available at any of our Dental Depot locations in the Phoenix area. Your dentist simply cleans out the decayed area of the tooth and fills it, thus protecting it from future damage. If left untreated, decay can affect the entire tooth and eventually reach the pulp and then you may need a root canal. The goal is to put a stop to the spread of decay. Sometimes it is necessary to replace a worn or cracked existing filling. As always, better safe than sorry.
For those who desire a natural-looking, discreet restoration, we offer a tooth-colored material called composite resin. This material is made from durable glass and plastic and can be matched to the exact shade of your existing teeth. A composite resin filling will not affect the aesthetics of a smile. Fillings are durable and will offer effective protection against future damage to your affected tooth. Other restoration options are available for more severely impacted teeth.
Before we get started, we will make sure you are as comfortable as possible. Your dentist will numb the area around the tooth and use a drill to remove the decayed area. Then the area will be checked to make sure all the decay was removed. Next, your dentist will prep the space for the filling by cleaning the cavity of bacteria and debris. Then your dentist will fill the cavity and after the filling is in, your dentist will finish and polish it. It may take an hour or so until all the local anesthetic has worn off, but you should be able to eat and speak normally soon after your appointment.
