Dental fillings help preserve, strengthen and restore teeth affected by decay. What you can expect after getting a dental filling is a stronger tooth that can bite and chew food without any more pain, sensitivity, or discomfort. Dr. Donna Grant, Dr. Maureen Winslow, and Dr. Elizabeth Fleck, the experienced dentists at Norwalk Family Dentistry in Norwalk, IA, can preserve, strengthen and restore decayed teeth with dental fillings.

Signs You Need a Dental Filling

When a tooth affected by decay is not treated promptly, the decay is likely to spread to other areas. Without treatment, the decay could become so severe that the tooth cannot be saved and must be extracted. Removing signs of decay early on and sealing the cavity with a dental filling helps prevent further decay, while also restoring the tooth.

Some of the signs you might need a dental filling include:

• Visible holes in the tooth
• A persistent toothache
• Pain when biting into food
• Changes in the color of the tooth
• Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet items

Before one of the skilled dentists at our office in Norwalk, IA, can restore your tooth with a dental filling, infection and decay must be removed from the affected tooth. A small hole is drilled into the tooth so the dentist can reach the problem area and remove the decayed tissue. After removing all decay, the empty cavity is cleaned and disinfected. Finally, the cavity and tooth are filled and sealed with a dental filling.

Types of Dental Fillings

Your dentist uses tooth-colored fillings, also referred to as composite fillings. An advantage of these fillings is that they blend in with the natural teeth so no one will know you have dental fillings. They also require much less drilling and undercuts as compared to metal fillings. Tooth-colored fillings can be made from a variety of materials, including porcelain, glass ionomer, or a composite blend of plastic and glass.

A dental filling can preserve, strengthen and restore a tooth affected by decay. It also stops infection and decay from spreading so you can avoid extraction. Dr. Grant, Dr. Winslow, or Dr. Fleck can help you maintain a healthier mouth, as well as determine if you need any dental fillings.

To schedule a dental checkup with one of our exceptional dentists, call Norwalk Family Dentistry in Norwalk, IA, at (515) 256-9000.