Fillings / Restorations
Restorative dentistry serves to remedy the effects of decayed, damaged, cracked, chipped, worn or unsightly teeth. There are many cases in which a tooth requires a filling, such as cavities, damage, wear, accidents, chipped or broken teeth.
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay, also known as dental caries or cavities, are caused by a breakdown of the tooth enamel. This breakdown is the result of bacteria on teeth that breakdown foods and produce acid that destroys tooth enamel and results in tooth decay. Cavities are permanently damaged areas in the hard surface of your teeth that develop into tiny openings or holes. Cavities and tooth decay are among the world's most common health problems. They're especially common in children, teenagers and older adults. But anyone who has teeth can get cavities, including infants. If cavities aren't treated, they get larger and affect deeper layers of your teeth. They can lead to a severe toothache, infection and tooth loss.
Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of cavities vary, depending on their extent and location. When a cavity is just beginning, you may not have any symptoms at all. As the decay gets larger, it may cause signs and symptoms such as:
Treatment
Tooth-Colored Filling
Fillings, also called restorations, are the main treatment option when decay has progressed beyond the earliest stage. We typically will use composite restorations which are mercury-free, white-tooth-colored fillings that are bonded to teeth to replace the missing tooth structure. These restoration look and feel natural and match the shade of your teeth.
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay, also known as dental caries or cavities, are caused by a breakdown of the tooth enamel. This breakdown is the result of bacteria on teeth that breakdown foods and produce acid that destroys tooth enamel and results in tooth decay. Cavities are permanently damaged areas in the hard surface of your teeth that develop into tiny openings or holes. Cavities and tooth decay are among the world's most common health problems. They're especially common in children, teenagers and older adults. But anyone who has teeth can get cavities, including infants. If cavities aren't treated, they get larger and affect deeper layers of your teeth. They can lead to a severe toothache, infection and tooth loss.
Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of cavities vary, depending on their extent and location. When a cavity is just beginning, you may not have any symptoms at all. As the decay gets larger, it may cause signs and symptoms such as:
- Toothache, spontaneous pain or pain that occurs without any apparent cause
- Tooth sensitivity
- Mild to sharp pain when eating or drinking something sweet, hot or cold
- Visible holes or pits in your teeth
- Brown, black or white staining on any surface of a tooth
- Pain when you bite down
Treatment
Tooth-Colored Filling
Fillings, also called restorations, are the main treatment option when decay has progressed beyond the earliest stage. We typically will use composite restorations which are mercury-free, white-tooth-colored fillings that are bonded to teeth to replace the missing tooth structure. These restoration look and feel natural and match the shade of your teeth.
