Dental Fillings & Cavities | Top Dentist in Centuria, WI

Restore Cavities With Natural-Looking Dental Fillings

Maintaining a healthy smile is essential for overall oral health and well-being. While cavities can pose a threat to the integrity of our teeth, dental fillings are a reliable solution for restoring and protecting teeth affected by decay. Discover why Dr. Georgie Vargas at River Birch Dental is one of the best dentists in Centuria, WI, for restoring your beautiful smile.

What Are Dental Fillings?

Dental fillings are restorative materials used to repair teeth affected by cavities or tooth decay. They are commonly used to restore the structure, functionality, and appearance of damaged teeth. Fillings help to prevent further decay and protect the tooth from bacterial infection.

Benefits of Dental Fillings

Dental fillings offer several benefits for patients, such as:

Restoration of Tooth Structure: Fillings restore damaged or decayed teeth, allowing them to regain their strength and integrity.
Protection Against Further Decay: Fillings seal off the cavity, preventing bacteria from entering and causing additional damage to the tooth.
Improved Functionality: By filling the cavity, the tooth can regain its ability to bite and chew properly, restoring normal function.
Enhanced Aesthetics: Fillings match the color of your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless and natural-looking smile.
Preservation of Natural Tooth: Fillings help preserve the natural tooth structure, preventing the need for more extensive treatments like extractions or dental implants.

When Are Dental Fillings Necessary?

Dental fillings are necessary when a tooth has been affected by decay or cavities. Some signs indicate the need for a dental filling includes:

Tooth Sensitivity: Increased sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages may indicate tooth decay and the need for a filling.
Toothache: Persistent or intermittent toothaches, especially while eating, can indicate a cavity requires filling.
Visible Holes or Discoloration: If you notice visible holes or dark spots on your teeth, decay has likely occurred, and a filling is necessary.
Fractured or Chipped Teeth: Teeth that have experienced damage or fractures due to trauma or accidents may require fillings to restore their structure and prevent further damage.

Visit Dr. Vargas to learn if dental fillings are the ideal solution for your oral health. She’ll evaluate your teeth and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan.

How Do Dental Fillings Work?

Examination and Diagnosis

During your dental visit, Dr. Vargas will carefully examine your teeth, looking for signs of decay or cavities. X-rays may be taken to assess the extent of the damage. After Dr. Vargas identifies the cavity, the appropriate treatment plan, including the type of filling, will be discussed.

Tooth Preparation

To ensure your comfort during the procedure, Dr. Vargas will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area around the affected tooth. This helps to minimize any potential discomfort or pain. She may also administer your choice of dental sedation.

Next, your Centuria dentist will prepare the tooth for the filling by removing the decayed portion using specialized dental instruments. The tooth will be cleaned and disinfected to ensure a clean surface for the filling.

Filling Placement

Once the tooth is prepared, Dr. Vargas will carefully place the chosen filling material into the cavity. The material is applied in layers and hardened with a special curing light. This allows for precise shaping and bonding to the tooth structure. Dr. Vargas will ensure the filling is accurately positioned and contoured to restore proper tooth functionality and appearance.

Finishing and Polishing

After placing the filling, Dr. Vargas will make necessary adjustments to ensure a comfortable bite. Any excess filling material will be trimmed and smoothed to achieve a natural contour. Finally, the filling will be polished to enhance its appearance and provide a smooth surface.

Post-Filling Care and Follow-Up

Dr. Vargas will provide instructions on post-filling care, such as proper oral hygiene practices and any dietary restrictions, if necessary. It’s best to maintain regular dental check-ups to monitor the condition of the filling and overall oral health.

What our patients are saying

Great staff. Son was in pain. This office got him taken care of Thank you!!

Katie R.

Always Very attentive and informative. They go above and beyond to make the dental experience comfortable for my children too!

Crystal H.

A very comfortable and relaxed atmosphere with a great staff.

Shanna H.

Top-quality care, provided by super friendly doctors, hygienists, and staff. They make visiting the dentist a pleasure!

Jeremy J.

The folks here make you feel welcomed from the moment you walk through their doors. Started coming here for my eldest boy for teeth correction, now, our whole family come here. For the first time in my 49 years, I’m no longer embarrassed to smile.

Penny

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Frequently Asked Questions

Dental fillings are durable and long-lasting. The lifespan of a filling depends on various factors, including the type of filling material used and how well you take care of your oral health. On average, dental fillings can last anywhere from five to 15 years. However, with proper oral hygiene practices and regular dental check-ups, fillings can last even longer.

No, receiving dental fillings is not painful. Before the procedure begins, your dentist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth. This ensures you remain comfortable and free from pain during the filling placement. After the anesthesia wears off, you may experience some sensitivity or mild discomfort, which should subside within a few days.

The cost of dental fillings can vary depending on several factors, including the location of the dental practice, the type of filling material used, and the size of the cavity. Dental insurance may cover a portion of the cost of dental fillings. Check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage. Some dental practices offer financing options to help make the cost of fillings more manageable.

In certain cases, a tooth may be too damaged or compromised to be successfully treated with a filling. Here are some situations where a tooth may not be suitable for a filling:

Extensive decay
Fractured tooth
Insufficient tooth structure

Dental Fillings in Centuria, WI