Dental Fillings An Overview
Chances are, you will receive a dental filling at some point in your life to maintain your healthy smile. Dental fillings are placed after tooth decay is removed in most cases, but they can also be used to repair tooth damage such as chips or cracks.
What is a Dental Filling?
Dental fillings are used as part of a conservative treatment plan aimed at preserving the natural tooth at our Northern Virginia dentist offices. A tooth filling is used when a tooth is weakened because of cracks, chips, breaks, cavities or other reasons. The filling is intended to not just restore strength, but to protect the tooth from future damage or decay.
Ridgetop Dental in Northern Virginia uses resin or high quality ceramic materials to place dental fillings that provide both lasting durability and beautiful aesthetics. We can replace your old, dark fillings with natural looking white fillings for a quick smile makeover. Dr. Datta Malyavantham and his associates will recommend the most appropriate type of filling and discuss options for materials depending on the size and location of the tooth to be treated.
The Importance of Routine Dental Care
When damage to a tooth is too severe, a tooth extraction will need to be done. A root canal will be necessary when a tooth is severely damaged or diseased. This is why it is very important to visit our dentist office every six months so that Dr. Datta can look for signs of decay or damage. When discovered in a timely manner, treatment is much easier and less painful. A tooth filling is a procedure geared at protecting the tooth and is much easier than a root canal or tooth extraction.
Inlays & Onlays
For cavities that are located in the larger back teeth or deep in the grooves of the teeth, an inlay or onlay may be recommended for the best result. Inlays and onlays, also known as partial crowns, are indirect restorations made from a high quality ceramic or porcelain. Dr. Datta may use CEREC technology to design and create your inlay or onlay while you wait.
