A filling is one of the most common ways to treat a cavity. A high-quality filling, however, is much more than just filling the cavity; it’s about the diagnosis, the preparation of the tooth, and the type of filling material selected. Our goal is to treat your cavity conservatively, to treat it gently, to treat it correctly, to make you as comfortable as possible, to restore your tooth to comfortable function for as long as possible, and to prevent that cavity from getting bigger. The fillings offered at Prostho Endo Dental Group reflect that. When you’re in for a filling in North Bethesda, MD, you won’t just leave with the cavity fixed; you’ll leave with a restored tooth.
Filling A Cavity Before It Becomes A Problem
Some cavities will develop silently and without discomfort. It’s possible to have a tooth that feels just fine even when a cavity has already begun. A filling will treat the cavity before it has a chance to get bigger. You’ll be given a filling to get the tooth cleaned and the cavity treated before it moves further in.
At Prostho Endo Dental Group, we look at a cavity not just to treat the tooth but to learn more about the tooth and understand how it happened. We learn about a patient’s brushing pattern, diet, dry mouth, the strength of the tooth’s enamel, and the way the tooth is positioned. If we’re able to treat a tooth before it gets to a point where we have to treat it further, for instance, with a crown, root canal, or implant or bridge, it will make a big difference for the patient.
Tooth Colored Fillings To Restore A Natural Appearance
Tooth colored filling materials are designed to blend into your tooth, so your restored tooth will be more comfortable, look more natural, and be as good as new. When our patient needs a filling for his tooth, we will match his tooth to the closest color we can to match the patient’s enamel. It will blend in when he smiles, talks, or laughs. It will look clean and natural. This is especially true if a filling needs to be placed on a front tooth or where the patient will be able to see it.
We also look at the shape, the position, the contour, the position of the bite, and the finish to restore the tooth to the way it should be.
Preserving The Tooth Structure
We are going to remove any and all of the damaged parts of the tooth and replace them with the filling material, and then we are going to preserve all of the healthy structure of the tooth in the best possible manner we can.
This is important because we need to keep all the natural teeth as strong as they can be for as long as they can. We want to keep as much as possible of the natural tooth in place and make it as strong and stable as possible. At Prostho Endo Dental Group, we take the time to do things carefully and the right way. The right way means that the cavity and the filling will look and fit together as one unit. We are going to look at the cavity, and we’re going to remove only as much of the tooth as we need to remove. We’re going to prepare the tooth in such a way that will allow the filling to sit in there and hold together nicely.
Advanced Diagnosis To Treat Cavities Sooner
At Prostho Endo Dental Group, we use the latest tools and techniques to diagnose and treat dental conditions. This allows us to detect cavities and other issues early on when they’re less problematic.
It’s a good idea for the patient to know that you have a filling on that tooth. It’s a good idea to know why you have it and why you need it. If it’s left untreated, then this is what’s going to happen with the tooth, and it’s also a good idea if the dentist tells him, you know, look at the cavity. This is why it’s there, this is what caused it, and this is why we think it would make more sense if you treat the cavity right away with a filling. At Prostho Endo Dental Group, we educate our patients and make sure they are satisfied, informed, and comfortable. Clear communication ensures your decisions regarding your treatment are confident.
Removing Old Or Broken Restorations
Fillings do not last forever. Eventually, past restorations can chip, crack, break down, discolor, or pull away from your tooth. If this occurs, bacteria may begin to collect along the edges of the restoration, causing new decay to form next to or under the filling.
Removing an old or failing restoration can protect your tooth from additional damage. The Prostho Endo Dental Group team can assess the status of the existing filling, the strength of your remaining tooth structure, and how much structure is involved to help decide which treatment is best for your particular case. This may require a new filling in some cases, or a crown (or more protective restoration) may be recommended to support the tooth for better long-term function.
Re-Establishing Strength & Function In A Natural Way
Your dental filling needs to do more than fill a cavity. Your tooth should be able to function comfortably during your daily activities, like speaking and eating. The form of your new dental filling should also work properly, even if just a little bit off, and can impact how your teeth work together.
At Prostho Endo Dental Group, we adjust your dental filling to ensure you have a comfortable bite. Your new dental filling will not cause your bite to feel unbalanced or change how your opposing teeth touch one another, or how they deal with pressure, or how it fits within your smile. This attention to detail helps your filling feel natural and promotes better long-term function after treatment.
Guarding Against Future Decay With A Comprehensive Treatment Approach
Once your dental filling is done, it is still important to maintain your oral hygiene and health. Your restored tooth needs care just like any other tooth, and your tooth should continue to be monitored and cleaned every six months. Patients are surprised to hear cavities can also develop around previous fillings when a buildup of plaque, bacteria, or bad habits in the diet continues to be present.
The Prostho Endo Dental Group team may help you learn how you can guard against this occurrence in the future by helping you improve your home oral care, prescribing a fluoride treatment if needed, making dietary changes, and scheduling consistent dental appointments. We find this comprehensive approach is extremely effective for patients who suffer from recurring cavities or who have concerns about protecting their previous restorations.
Sustaining Your Treated Dentition Over Time
In order for your dental filling to last long-term, we must make sure the restoration itself was placed with good technique, and you are also committed to a maintenance plan. At your next dental visits, the team at Prostho Endo Dental Group will examine your dental filling margins, your bite, how much enamel remains in the area of your dental filling, and any evidence of wear or new decay that may occur.
Patients in North Bethesda, MD, can rest assured that their dental fillings will receive proper long-term support similar to that received during their original dental treatment. Often, small changes are detected earlier, so you don’t need to take any additional steps for your oral health.
Contact Prostho Endo Dental Group For Careful Restorative Treatment
Dental fillings can seem like a simple dental treatment, but many elements are involved. The team at Prostho Endo Dental Group combines precise diagnosis, conservative treatment philosophies, esthetic materials, and open communication to ensure your dental fillings not only give you comfortable care right away, but help you maintain your oral health long-term.
If you require a new dental filling, are concerned about replacing an old dental restoration, or suspect you have a cavity, you should feel comfortable contacting our office. Your team at Prostho Endo Dental Group is here to help you understand your dental treatment options while maintaining a patient-friendly treatment philosophy and a strong focus on maintaining healthy tooth structure for dental fillings designed to help you feel good, smile, and live comfortably for a lifetime.