Getting a Filling Is Made Easy With Your Santa Cruz Dentist

Getting fillings done is one of the most important ways to protect your teeth.

Many people have childhood memories of working hard to build up good dental habits. It was nice to visit the dentist and find out you had no cavities. Maybe you would even get a lollipop (sugar-free, of course) or other treat. As you age, though, things get can get a little more complicated.

Cavities can become much more likely with age, since the outer enamel of teeth tends to become more thin. Natural recession of gum tissue also makes teeth more prone to decay.

Luckily, there are fillings: A trusted and effective way to protect teeth.

Why Fillings Are Essential for Long-Term Dental Health

Any good Santa Cruz dentist will tell you that strong fillings are important for adults and kids.

Many cavities start out so small they are almost impossible to detect. As they grow, damage spreads across the tooth and it’s easier for bacteria to infiltrate the interior. Cavities can take months to produce noticeable symptoms, but the problem is always progressing.

Fillings can halt the decay process. The sooner this is done, the better for your teeth!

Performed by an expert Santa Cruz dentist, you can expect your fillings to last for fifteen years or even longer. Although decay can happen around a filling, it is less likely than with an untreated tooth.

Tooth Colored Fillings Make it Easier to Maintain a Beautiful Smile

Tooth colored fillings, known as composite or resin fillings, resist damage, are easy to maintain, and blend in with the natural color of your surrounding teeth. It is often impossible to tell that you have a filling, especially after a few months.

There are some other advantages to know about:

• Since they are so durable, they can be used in the front or the back of the mouth;
• They bond strongly to enamel and don’t require removal of much tooth material;
• They can usually be placed in a single visit, even if a cavity is very serious.

Getting a Tooth Colored Filling is a Simple Process

Most patients find the look of composite resin fillings to be even better than porcelain, the “original” tooth colored fillings. Of course, there may be situations where your Santa Cruz dentist recommends a different type of filling, such as porcelain or gold.

Getting a tooth colored filling is easy. All it takes is a quick examination, which may include x-rays. Teeth that are not severely infected can be filled right away, a process that might take only half an hour from start to finish. Discomfort is minimal, and you can even choose sedation dentistry.

With old-fashioned amalgam fillings, you usually had to wait 24 hours before you could eat. In most cases, patients receiving composite fillings can eat right away, though it’s a good idea to wait until anesthetic wears off – you’ll be less likely to bite your cheek that way.

To find out more and get the help you need, contact Landmark Dental Group of Santa Cruz!