Fillings are a basic dental restoration used to replace damaged parts of a tooth due to injury or decay. They preserve the integrity of the tooth and restore its health and structure to prevent further damage. White composite fillings are made up of a material that makes matching the shade of your natural tooth color possible. Composite restorations generally require less tooth structure removal than other fillings and blend in with your natural teeth.
During the filling procedure, Dr. Betcher will fill the damaged area with the material and shape it to match the natural contours of your tooth. Before hardening, he’ll make sure the filling fits your bite comfortably. After the filling is placed, Dr. Betcher will finish and polish the tooth. It’s normal to feel sensitivity to pressure, air, sweets, or anything cold after receiving a filling. In most cases, the sensitivity will subside after a week or two. In the unusual event you experience sensitivity or discomfort after two weeks, contact our office.
Bonding is essentially the same process as a filling. While the term filling usually applies to repairing tooth decay, bonding is typically a cosmetic term. It’s a relatively easy and cheap dental procedure using composite resin to repair a discolored, chipped, or fractured tooth. During the procedure, a tooth-colored composite resin is applied to the damaged tooth and is molded and shaped to match the surrounding teeth. After our team hardens the material, Dr. Betcher will trim and shape it until it matches your natural teeth. The bonded tooth is then polished to blend with your surrounding teeth.
If your tooth has any decay, damage, or discoloration, you might be a candidate for fillings or bonding. Dr. Betcher and our team will evaluate your teeth and help you decide on the best course of action to take regarding your smile.