Dental fillings help your teeth in several ways by preserving, strengthening, and restoring them after they have been weakened by decay. Fillings stop decay from spreading and make teeth strong again so normal biting and chewing functions can resume without pain or sensitivity. Dr. Bhavin Patel and Dr. Kevin Carey, the skilled dentists at Seaview Dental Arts in Galloway, NJ, can strengthen and restore your teeth with dental fillings.

Signs You Need a Filling

Teeth affected by decay should be treated promptly to stop the decay from spreading throughout the entire tooth. Decay can result when bacteria and sugars in the mouth mix together and produce acid. Acid erodes tooth enamel, leaving teeth vulnerable to infection and decay. Left untreated, decay could become so severe that the only option is to extract the affected tooth.

Fortunately, there is a way to preserve teeth that have developed cavities. Dental fillings make it possible to strengthen and restore teeth so extraction can be avoided and normal functioning can resume. To treat decay, the dentist first drills into the affected tooth and removes all signs of decay, then thoroughly cleans the tooth’s interior. Afterward, the remaining empty cavity inside the tooth can be filled in and sealed with a dental filling.

There are several signs that you might need a filling. See one of the friendly dentists at our office in Galloway if you develop any of the following symptoms:

• A persistent toothache
• Visible holes in a tooth
• Sensitivity to hot or cold items
• Sensitivity to sweets
• Pain when biting into food
• Changes in the color of the tooth

Types of Fillings

Many types of dental fillings are available today to suit personal preferences and budget considerations. While metal fillings are strong, some patients dislike how noticeable they are. Tooth-colored fillings provide a discreet alternative as they readily blend in with the natural tooth. These types of fillings are sometimes also referred to as white fillings and can be made from porcelain, glass ionomer, or a composite blend of plastic and glass. Composite tooth-colored fillings are a popular choice because they can last almost as long as silver amalgam fillings, but require significantly less drilling and fewer undercuts to be secured in place.

Dental fillings are an excellent way to preserve, strengthen, and restore teeth affected by decay. Plus, with the many tooth-colored options available today, no one will even realize you have fillings. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Patel or Dr. Carey, our experienced dentists, call Seaview Dental Arts in Galloway, NJ at (609) 652-9020.