Would you like to learn more about tooth fillings for kids from your Longmont, CO, dentist?
Here at Longmont Pediatric Dentistry, Drs. Tim Nichols and Jenna Milot provide patients with white fillings made of composite or glass ionomer, a safe, reliable, and long-lasting tooth restoration. Fillings restore decayed or chipped teeth, and if decay extends to the nerve, your dentist uses a stainless steel (silver) crown to protect and reinforce teeth. Read on to learn more about fillings and what they can do for you.
The Process of Filling a Tooth
- Your Longmont dentist administers local anesthetic to numb the tooth.
- The dentist prepares teeth by removing decay.
- A filling material is placed directly into the disinfected cavity, restoring your tooth to health
Advantages of Tooth Fillings
Fillings can rebuild your smile by adding dental durability. They can last about 10-to-15 years, and usually longer if taken care of properly. They also reinforce the jaw, helping your chewing forces. Lastly, it is an aesthetically pleasing dental restoration, improving the look of your smile.
What Types of Fillings Exist?
- Amalgam Fillings: Amalgam fillings are strong because they're made of several metallic elements and, therefore, ideal for molars due to chewing function.
- Composite Fillings: These fillings, also called composites or filled resins, are a combination of glass or quartz filler which matches the color of your tooth.
- Ceramic: Ceramic fillings, usually made of porcelain, are tooth-colored and less likely to stain over time.
- Glass Ionomer: This filling is made of acrylic and glass that when used releases fluoride to help protect teeth.
Fillings are a great preventative measure against decay that may evolve into something more severe, like infected root canals and, perhaps, tooth loss. In order to keep teeth healthy and reduce the chance of needing a filling in the future, make sure to brush and floss every day.
Need Dental Care? Give Us a Call
Want to learn more about tooth fillings from your Longmont, CO, dentists? Call Drs. Tim Nichols and Jenna Milot today at (303) 776-1194 to book an appointment.