Dental Fillings at Morgan Family Dental in Metairie: Repairing and Restoring Your Smile

Dental fillings are materials used to restore the appearance and function of a tooth damaged by decay.

You might be wondering, “Why does a filling involve drilling a hole if it’s called a ‘filling’?” Fillings aren’t like Band-Aids; we can’t simply cover the damage and expect it to improve. Teeth can’t heal themselves when damaged or infected, unlike most other parts of the body. To restore your tooth, we must first remove the decay. That’s why we use a drill when applying a filling. Although this temporarily enlarges the decay-caused hole, it’s better than leaving any decay that could cause more damage in the long run.

What Is a Dental Filling?

Fillings are used to fill cavities, or small holes, created by bacterial acids that have penetrated your tooth. If left untreated, cavities can grow, burrowing deeper into your tooth and eventually destroying it. Fillings stop the decay process, saving your tooth and preventing additional costs and discomfort in the future.

What Types of Filling Materials Are Available?

Several materials can be used for fillings, depending on the condition of your tooth, your aesthetic preferences, and your budget. Your dentist will always choose the option that best restores your tooth’s appearance and function.

Common materials include gold, amalgam (silver), composite (plastic) resin, and porcelain. Metal fillings are more frequently used on back teeth (molars) because they aren’t visible when you smile. However, many patients prefer tooth-colored, metal-free options, regardless of the filling’s location. At our office, we prefer using advanced tooth-colored fillings made of durable composite resin or porcelain. Tooth-colored fillings are used on front teeth where a natural appearance is essential, and they can also be used on back teeth, depending on the location and extent of the decay. The choice of material for your dental filling will ultimately result from a well-informed discussion between you and the dentist.

Procedure Overview

The dental filling procedure is routine and relatively straightforward.

1. We’ll begin by administering a local anesthetic to numb the area if necessary. Numbing may not be needed for small fillings, but feel free to ask the dentist about it if you’re concerned about discomfort.
2. Next, the dentist will remove the decay using a drill.
3. Once the decay is removed, the dentist may use the drill a bit more to shape the tooth so the filling will fit better. The dentist may also etch the inner surfaces of the space with an acid gel to help the filling adhere better later.