780 Broadway #A
Merrillville, Indiana 46410
219-795-9999
Dental Fillings
Fillings are most commonly used in order to prevent further damage to a tooth when decay is present. By removing the bacteria and closing off the affected area, no further tooth decay can occur.
Why do I need a filling on my tooth?
Cavities are areas of the mouth that have undergone tooth decay and developed small holes. Cavities are caused by food debris that has accumulated on the tooth’s surface, which creates acid that gradually erodes the tooth and causes extreme pain and discomfort. They’re especially common in children, teenagers and older adults. Further decay can result in tooth root damage the need for a root canal. Fortunately, a dental filling helps prevent that.
The treatment for cavities involves removing the decayed area so that it cannot cause further damage and "filling" the area with a resin to fill in the cavity created by the decay.
Cavities are not the only reason people receive composite dental fillings. Cracked, broken or worn teeth are also responsible for many of the dental fillings that are performed at A & A Dental Clinic.
Types of dental fillings
Fillings can be made from a variety of materials. We will advise you on what is best for your situation, considering both which tooth is affected and what filling material is covered by your insurance.
When the area is highly visible we create composite fillings with tooth-colored resin that is strong and durable. Unlike traditional amalgam fillings, composite fillings blend in with your teeth for a better aesthetic look.
When appropriate we can also use amalgam fillings on areas that are a strong and durable metal material. Amalgam fillings are known to be very strong, and are appropriate for a large cavity that needs to be filled.
We will consult you on your treatment plan so that you know exactly what to expect and use our years of dental expertise to make sure your dental work is done professionally and lasts for years to come.
Is drilling necessary for a dental filling?
Yes, we do need to drill to properly place a filling, but we will do as much as we can to make you comfortable and ease your mind during the process.
You might be thinking, "Why call it a filling if they're drilling a hole?" Well, fillings aren't like putting a bandage on a cut – teeth don't heal themselves. When there's damage or infection, we can't just cover it up and hope for the best. To get your tooth back on track, we've gotta kick off by getting rid of the decay. So, that's where the drill comes in when we're doing a filling. Sure, it might make the hole a tad bigger for a bit, but it beats leaving any decay behind that could cause more trouble down the road.
