Dental Fillings

Dental Fillings 

Cavities are one of the most common dental problems, and people of all ages may fall prey to the same. To treat it, we will remove the decayed part of your teeth and then fill the area using dental fillings. Fillings are used to restore cracked, chipped, or broken teeth. They are also used to fill your worn-down teeth that have been misused due to the events such as tooth grinding and nail-biting.

What are the Types of Fillings? 

*Amalgam Filling 

This type of filling is a silver-colored mixture of several metals like tin, copper, and mercury. They are suitable for your back molars as they look different from the appearance of your natural teeth. Amalgam fillings are durable and last longer.   

*Gold Fillings  

Just like amalgam fillings, gold fillings include an alloy of gold, copper, and other materials. They are durable and last for 20 years or more.   

*Composite Fillings  

If you want your filling to look more natural, we will use composite fillings to fill your teeth. They are made using resin and glass, matching the exact appearance of your teeth. They are less durable and require proper maintenance.   

*Glass Ionomer Fillings  They are made using powdered glass that bonds with your teeth. The advantage of these fillings is that they release fluoride and help you prevent tooth decay.  

How is the Procedure Performed?  

*During your appointment, we will numb the area around your teeth with a local anesthetic. Using an air abrasion instrument, laser, or any other tool, we will remove the decayed area from the site.  

*We will probe the area to determine if all the decay is properly removed. After this, we will clean the space, including the cavity and the debris. If the decay is near your tooth root, we will put a liner made using composite resin, glass ionomer, or other material to protect your nerve.  

*Once the filling is applied, we will finish and polish it. 

*If you opt for a tooth-colored filling, we will remove the decay and apply the material in layers. After completing the multilayering process, we will use a curing light to harden each layer.  

*Lastly, we will shape the composite material to obtain the shape of your remaining teeth. The excess material will be trimmed off, and we will polish the final restoration of your teeth. Make sure to take care of your fillings to maintain them in the long run. 

Please reach out to our dental practice in Bakersfield, CA, to have a consultation with our dentist, Dr. Warren Barr. Please call us at (661) 834-9900 or schedule an online consultation, and we'll guide you further.