If you have a cavity, you’ll probably need a filling. Cavities are holes in your teeth caused by harmful bacteria that wear down your tooth enamel. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that can build up on your teeth and gums, and hardens into tartar. A dental filling at our Tulsa, OK office can help save your tooth from further damage.
Fillings are a common treatment that fixes and restores teeth affected by decay. While traditional fillings use metal, we suggest white fillings for a more natural look. At Hope Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer same-day fillings to quickly restore comfort and function to your tooth.
Dental Fillings in Tulsa, OK
If you have a cavity, you’ll likely need a filling. Here are some common signs:
- Holes or pits in your teeth: This is a clear sign of a cavity.
- Tooth sensitivity: You might feel discomfort when eating or drinking something hot, cold, or sweet.
- Loose teeth: This could indicate a more serious problem.
- Dark spots on your teeth: These can be areas where decay has set in.
- Rough or uneven teeth: Decay can make your teeth feel uneven.
If you notice any of these signs, contact our office right away. Getting treatment early can stop dental problems from getting worse.
What Happens if You Don’t Treat a Cavity?
If you don’t treat a cavity, it will keep growing until it reaches the nerves inside your tooth, causing intense pain and possibly an infection. The decay can also spread to other teeth, leading to more cavities and even tooth loss.
A tooth abscess can also form. This is a pocket of pus that develops near the tooth roots or between the tooth and gums. Untreated cavities can lead to gum disease, which can further harm your teeth and overall oral health.
An untreated tooth infection can spread to other parts of your body, potentially leading to serious health problems like heart disease and diabetes. The inflammation can enter your bloodstream and affect your heart.
Because of these risks, we recommend contacting our office as soon as you notice any changes in your teeth or gums.
Benefits of Tooth Fillings
Getting a filling offers many benefits if your teeth are damaged:
- Restores and Protects the Tooth: Fillings strengthen teeth weakened by decay or injury, preventing further damage and possible tooth loss. Compared to crowns or implants, fillings require less removal of healthy tooth structure, keeping more of your natural tooth intact.
- Improves Function: Fillings make it easier to chew and speak by fixing cavities and restoring damaged teeth. After getting a filling, you can eat and talk without discomfort.
- Enhances Appearance: Tooth-colored fillings like composite or ceramic blend in with your natural teeth, making your smile look great and boosting your confidence.
- Durability: Fillings are strong enough to handle the pressure of biting and chewing, especially on back teeth and molars. Even white fillings can be a good choice for these areas, depending on the material used.
Metal vs. White Fillings
Traditional fillings, often called metal or silver fillings, use materials like silver, mercury, tin, and copper. While these fillings are strong and work well for molars, they are very noticeable.
White fillings, on the other hand, use ceramic or composite materials. The cost of a filling depends on the material used and the number of fillings needed. Metal fillings are usually cheaper, but they come with some downsides.
We suggest composite fillings over metal ones for several reasons. First, metal fillings can make your teeth more sensitive. They are also very visible, even on the back teeth. Another concern is that metal fillings contain small amounts of mercury.
If you have an old or damaged metal filling, a dental professional must carefully remove it to avoid any risk of inhaling mercury. White fillings consist of safe materials that are also used in other treatments like crowns and inlays.
Our Process
Before starting the filling process, our dentist will take X-rays to check the extent of your tooth decay. If a cavity can be treated with a filling, we will begin the procedure.
First, Dr. Cha will numb your tooth with local anesthesia to make sure you’re comfortable. Then, he will remove the decayed part of the tooth and shape it to create space for the filling. Once your tooth is ready, Dr. Cha will place the filling material in layers, hardening each layer with a special light.
After the filling is in place, Dr. Cha will shape and polish the tooth to ensure it fits well with your bite and looks natural. Finally, he’ll check and adjust the filling as needed to make sure it fits properly and functions as it should.
Aftercare
To make sure your fillings last a long time, take good care of them. Good oral hygiene can help prevent decay around the edges of your fillings. Brush and floss your fillings just like you would your natural teeth. Floss before brushing to remove food particles between your teeth, then brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
Regular visits to the dentist for check-ups and cleanings are important. We will check your fillings to make sure they are still fitting well.
Over time, you might need to replace your fillings if they become loose, cracked, or worn down. This can happen due to normal wear and tear from chewing or grinding your teeth. If this occurs, we can repair or replace the fillings as needed.
Do I Need a Dental Crown?
If you have a large filling or a weakened tooth, we might suggest a dental crown. This could be necessary if your tooth is weakened due to decay or damage. Our office can make a tooth-colored crown that matches your natural teeth. A crown is a cap that completely covers your tooth, adding strength and protecting it from further damage or infection.
Save Your Teeth
Treat your tooth cavity today to prevent the need for a tooth extraction. Call for a dental filling in Tulsa, OK, at 918-347-1114. You can also schedule an appointment with Dr. Cha online.
If you have questions about how to treat your cavity, let us know at your next visit. We’re here to help you.