Dental Fillings Monroe, WA A restorative dental procedure, fillings are considered minor in the world of dental care. They help to restore the lost strength and functionality of the tooth and also to improve the integrity of it to extend its life. The most commonly repaired damage to a tooth is a cavity. This can be brought on by common decay or by a traumatic event such as a blow to the face or mouth. Cavities occur in patients who fail to brush and floss two times a day. Diet also plays a big part in the development of cavities. Those patients who eat foods and drink beverages which have a high acidity have cavities more frequently than those who do not. Filling placements are quite common and typically take approximately 30 minutes in a single office visit. When Should I Get a Filling?Patients who have been told they have a cavity during a routine exam or cleaning should get it filled as soon as possible. Also, patients who have realized they have a chipped tooth or a soft spot in their tooth enamel need to get a filling right away too. While the vast majority of fillings are placed to take care of cavities, they are designed to repair any type of minor tooth damage. Reasons to Get FillingsWhen cavities go untreated, they can worsen over time making patients suffer through greater discomfort and potentially leading to invasive corrective procedures. Cavities should be filled immediately because if the decay continues, it will eventually infect the interior of the tooth causing increased pain and discomfort as well as potentially leading to the tooth becoming abscessed. In some instances, the infection can spread to the gums and the jawbone causing tooth loss. Placing FillingsWe use a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and gum area, so the patient is comfortable during the filling placement. Once we are assured the patient is appropriately numbed, we will proceed. We use dental tools to remove all of the decay from the site of the cavity. Once it is entirely removed, we press a resin substance into the cleaned-out cavity. This substance stops the decay from continuing and strengthens the tooth to normal functionality. At Monroe Smiles we use a resin which can be manipulated very easily so it matches the shape and size of the surrounding teeth. The resin can also be tinted to match the appropriate color too. Replace final paragraph with, For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Monroe Smiles at (360) 467-6386. |
Contact Information14650 N. Kelsey St. Ste. 104-105 Monroe, WA 98272-1456 (360) 467-6386 drj@jljdds.com Office HoursMonday - Friday: 7:00am-6:00pm Follow Us |
