Dental Fillings

Fillings Are the First Line of Defense Against Tooth Decay

Over time, decay can eat away at the hard layer of the tooth, creating a hole called a cavity. Bacteria can enter the cavity, causing the soft pulp in the center of the tooth to inflame. This usually results in pain as well as increased sensitivity to hot and cold. 

A cavity is most often resolved by a simple filling.

With the latest technology and numbing agents at Hicks Family Dentistry, filling a cavity is a simple and painless procedure that is done fairly quickly. 

What Causes Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay is a common condition that is caused by poor oral hygiene, frequent sweet snacks, and the consistent sipping of sugary drinks. Decay happens with children and adults. 

Decay eats away at the hard layer of the tooth and creates a hole where bacteria can enter causing the soft pulp in the center of the tooth to inflame. It usually results in pain as well as increased sensitivity to hot and cold. 

A decayed tooth can quickly develop into a bigger problem, so having the dentist clean out the decay and replace it with a filling is a smart decision. 

What are Fillings Made Of?

Fillings have been made out of a number of different materials over the years, but we’ve found composite resin, a tooth-colored plastic, to be among the very best. Composite resin is the most life-like, delivering a natural appearance to front-facing teeth, especially.

How Are Fillings Placed? 

The procedure for receiving a dental filling a tooth is virtually painless. We use numbing techniques that fit with your comfort level to prepare the tooth for repair. We strive to provide stress-free dentistry and make sure that your healing process starts from the minute you sit in the chair.

Special light technology, known as photo-polymerization, will seal the composite to your tooth, setting everything into its permanent place. 

We’ll have you in and out of the chair and back to your everyday activities in a single appointment.