Tooth Fillings
Stop Decay In Its Tracks
Strengthen a Cavity-Affected Smile With Tooth Fillings in Warren
A cavity creates an area of damaged tooth structure that won't repair itself. Treating decay while it is still manageable can help preserve more of your natural tooth and keep a relatively small problem from needing more extensive dental care. Tooth fillings in Warren provide a conservative way to remove decay and rebuild the affected portion of the tooth.
Tooth-colored fillings offer an aesthetic repair. The restorative material is selected to blend with your smile, so the repaired area looks more natural than a traditional silver-colored filling.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tooth Fillings
Q What is a tooth filling?
A tooth filling is a restoration used to rebuild an area of a tooth damaged by decay or other minor structural problems. After the affected portion is prepared, filling material is placed and shaped to restore the tooth.
Q Do cavities always need tooth fillings?
Not every area of early enamel demineralization necessarily requires a filling, but a cavity that has progressed enough to create irreversible tooth damage often needs restorative treatment. A dental examination can determine whether a filling is appropriate.
Q Can a tooth filling stop a cavity from getting worse?
A tooth filling removes the decayed portion of a cavity and restores the resulting area, preventing decay in that specific spot from simply continuing untreated. New decay can still develop around a restoration, so daily oral hygiene remains important.
Q Do tooth-colored fillings look natural?
Tooth-colored filling material is matched to the surrounding enamel so the restoration blends more naturally with the tooth. The final appearance depends on factors such as the size and location of the filling.
Q Can a filling help a sensitive tooth?
When a cavity is responsible for the sensitivity, filling a decayed area can address that source of discomfort. However, tooth sensitivity has many possible causes, so an exam is important before determining the appropriate treatment.
Q How long do tooth fillings last?
Tooth fillings can last for many years, but no restoration is expected to last forever. The filling's size and location, biting forces, oral hygiene, grinding habits, and other factors can all influence its lifespan.
Q Can you eat normally after getting a tooth filling?
In most cases, patients can return to normal eating after a filling once any numbness has worn off. However, specific instructions can vary depending on the restoration and the patient's circumstances.
Q How do I know if an old filling needs to be replaced?
An old filling may need replacement if it becomes cracked, worn, loose, or develops problems around its edges. Regular dental exams allow existing restorations to be monitored for changes that may not be obvious at home.
5 Mountain Blvd. Suite 1, Warren, NJ 07059