Dental Fillings in Southbridge, MA
Cavities are very common. In fact, it is estimated that 90% of American adults develop at least one cavity in their lifetimes. At Southbridge Dental Care, we advise our patients to visit us at least twice per year so we can examine their teeth and diagnose any potential dental issues like tooth decay as early as possible.
Contact our office to schedule your next visit today!
What kind of fillings can I get?
Southbridge Dental Care offers two choices for dental fillings.
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Amalgam Fillings are silver, and they are known for their durability. They also tend to be more cost-effective than composite fillings.
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Composite Fillings are made to match the color of the surrounding teeth, and they blend in seamlessly with the rest of the patient’s smile.
How are dental fillings placed?
Before a dental filling can be placed, the decayed portion of the tooth must be removed. A local anesthetic will be used to numb the teeth and gums before a dental drill is used to carefully remove the decay. The area is then cleaned before the custom filling is placed in the tooth. The tooth is sealed, and a bonding light is used to make sure the filling is securely in place. Finally, any last modifications are made to ensure that the tooth looks great, and the patient will be able to eat and speak without thinking twice about their new filling.
Are there any alternatives to dental fillings?
Unfortunately, once tooth decay develops in a tooth, it must be removed and the tooth must be protected by a dental restoration of some kind to prevent the issue from becoming worse. Untreated tooth decay will only spread throughout the tooth and to nearby teeth, and it can result in infections and more invasive treatments like root canals and dental crowns becoming necessary. We always want to identify and treat tooth decay in its earliest stages when a less invasive treatment option, like filling, is an appropriate solution.