A world of options for cavity repair with dental fillings at your friendly neighborhood dentist’s office!
As a convenient, local provider of state-of-the-art dentistry in Pratt, Kansas, our office has the knowledge and tools to recommend many different treatment options and services to our one-of-a-kind patients. Notably, you are not limited in your options for dental fillings at Pratt Family Dental. Our talented dentists, Drs. Carson Hopkins and Steven Kunz provide a wide range of durable filling materials to rebuild your tooth, and, in doing so, we restore the beauty and health of your smile.
The “whys” behind fillings
Fillings are the go-to treatment to repair cavities. A cavity is a hole that forms in a tooth. When decay erodes the tooth structure, it may leave behind a hole where the natural tissue used to be. Fittingly, fillings “fill in” those cavitated or eroded areas. Once the filling material is applied, the structure is restored. A weakened tooth is strengthened. A healthy function is restored, as is a lovely appearance. Lastly, prompt placement of fillings prevents the need for more extensive restorative care – or even the loss of a tooth.
It should be noted that not all cavities are appropriate candidates for fillings. There must be sufficient structure for the filling to hold on to, and a big cavity or hole in the tooth may not provide the support for the restoration that is needed. In these cases, Drs. Hopkins or Kunz will discuss alternatives to effectively treat the tooth and halt the progression of the disease and further damage.
What to expect
The treatment actually starts with an exam. One of our dentists will then determine the best option in partnership with you, and those options could range from modifications to oral care to “build up” damaged enamel to “fuller-coverage” dental inlays, onlays, and crowns. Fillings are highly conservative dental restorations. They preserve significant natural tooth structure. Now, if a filling is appropriate, the next steps depend on the type of dental material used to craft your filling. These options include:
- Metal-free composite resins, which can be perfectly color-matched to the surrounding tooth structure and neighboring teeth
- Metal amalgams, which are made from silver, copper, tin, and other materials, are known for their strength and durability
Composite resin or tooth-colored fillings are generally appropriate for the anterior teeth visible when you smile. They provide a particularly cosmetic option. Amalgam fillings are best for teeth such as the molars. They have the strength to withstand the extreme forces generated by these teeth during functions like mashing chewy foods.
Amalgam fillings are “indirect restorations,” the medical way of referring to the introduction of the prepared filling material to a tooth that has been cleaned and is free of decayed or damaged tissue. Once applied, the filling is then secured to the natural tooth. Composite fillings are “direct restoration,” with the pliable resin material being introduced in layers. As each layer is added, the resin is hardened to ensure a strong bond between the filling and the tooth.
Questions? Contact Pratt Family Dental!
It has been our great pleasure to provide an introduction to fillings at our office in Pratt, KS. We are confident you likely have more questions for us. We encourage you to call (620) 318-1182. Our friendly team is here to help!
