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Providing Quality Dental Fillings to Scottsdale Patients

dental-fillings

A filling fixes and restores the surface of a tooth damaged by wear, fracture, or decay. When a dentist performs an oral filling procedure, he/she first gets rid of the decayed tooth material, cleans the problematic area, and uses state-of-the-art dental equipment to fill the cleaned-out cavity.

If you’re required to undergo this oral procedure, turn to Shea Dental. We are an established dental practice in Scottsdale that offers cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry services, including teeth whitening, oral sealants, and fillings.

Unlike other dental offices, we use materials other than mercury or silver for filling cavities. As a mercury-free practice, we believe that silver is not particularly appealing to the eye. On top of that, using mercury as a material could weaken the structure of the tooth. Instead, we use porcelain fillings to restore the teeth. This material looks beautiful, as it can mimic the appearance and color of your teeth.

Signs You Need Dental Filling

Though a skilled dentist can determine if you need an oral filling, certain symptoms and signs can alert you of a cavity that requires a filling. Get in touch with our dental office if you experience any of the following:

  • Toothache

    If your tooth hurts without any apparent reason, you could be suffering from an oral cavity that needs filling. Another indication is pain while chewing food. Whatever the case may be, it’s a good idea to undergo a check-up to figure out the main problem.

  • Visible Dark Spots or Holes

    Sometimes, you don’t need cutting-edge dental tools to tell you if you have an oral cavity. Looking at the mirror is enough. If you see a dark spot on one of your teeth or feel a crack or hole in your tooth with a tongue, that’s most likely another indicator of a cavity.

  • Tooth Sensitivity

    The enamel in your teeth might be wearing away if you are particularly sensitive to cold and hot temperatures, as well as sugary and sweet food. This is an indication that you need a filling to provide extra protection for your enamel.

  • Bitter Taste

    Your saliva may begin to taste unpleasant if your tooth is decaying. The bacteria in your mouth could be causing this problem.

  • Bad Breath

    Tooth decay may result in stubborn bad breath. The bacteria responsible for the decay might be the one emitting the nasty smell.

  • Pus

    A serious indicator of a cavity is the presence of pus in your mouth. This thick and opaque fluid matter indicates a dental abscess, which necessitates immediate medical attention.

Advantages of Getting a Dental Filling

Depending on the results of your oral assessment, we may recommend that you undergo a tooth-colored porcelain filling procedure to treat the cavity. By doing this, you get to enjoy the following benefits:

  • Looks Aesthetically Pleasing

    When you undergo this procedure, your dentist will carefully match the filling to the shade of your teeth. It means that the affected tooth will blend seamlessly with the rest of your crowns and appear virtually undetectable.

  • Restores Tooth Structure

    Your dentist will bond the filling to the natural enamel of your tooth. This restores the structure of your tooth and enhances its strength.

  • Improves Confidence

    Having metal fillings in your mouth may make you feel self-conscious or awkward about your smile. A porcelain filling, on the other hand, won’t have you second-guessing on the way you look.

  • Keeps Other Teeth Safe

    Metal fillings tend to expand and contract over time due to fluctuations in temperature. While the contraction and expansion are often minimal, they can put constant pressure that can weaken the teeth and cause damage, such as a fracture or a crack. You won’t encounter this problem when you undergo a porcelain filling procedure.

  • Lasts for a Long Time

    With proper oral care, tooth-colored fillings can last several years. They can withstand the normal wear and tear of chewing and eating.

Taking Care of Your Dental Fillings

Oral filling treatment is no different from the care needed to avoid dental caries. Here are a few suggestions to make your fillings last as long as possible:

  • Brush your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste.

  • Floss every day.

  • Limit your consumption of sticky and sugary snacks.

  • Reduce the oral bacteria in your mouth by rinsing with a therapeutic and alcohol-free mouthwash.

  • Drink water instead of acidic beverages, such as juices and sodas.

  • Avoid using tobacco products, which can discolor your teeth and increase your risk of dental filling failure.

  • Visit your dentist at least once a year for oral cleanings and check-ups.

Give our dental office a call at (480) 998-3923 to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists.

Questions? Contact Us