Fighting off tooth decay can be challenging, but it is vital to maintaining oral health. If you have a situation where a tooth has started to show signs of decay, we can help with dental fillings in Upland. We pride ourselves on providing friendly and effective care with a focus on keeping your teeth healthy and beautiful. Call us today if you are ready to give your smile the care it deserves, and set up your appointment for expert dental treatment at the Alta Dental Care.
What Is a Dental Filling?
A dental filling is a dental restoration procedure where a material, such as dental amalgam or composite resin, is used to replace missing tooth structure due to decay. The goal of dental fillings is to restore the affected teeth back to their original shape and function. Fillings can also be used for cosmetic purposes in order to improve the appearance of your tooth if decay has led to uneven texture or discoloration. In short, fillings are often the best way to stop tooth decay in its tracks before it can progress to put your tooth at additional risk. By treating cavities and early signs of decay, you can prevent future complications further down the timeline.
What Is the Process for Getting a Dental Filling?
The dental filling process is relatively straightforward, and our patients can usually expect to have their treatment completed in a single, quick visit. First, we will need to examine your tooth and understand how it has been affected by decay, checking that it is suitable for a filling. From there, we will clean out the decayed area and prepare it for your dental filling. The material used to fill in the dental cavity is then placed inside, where it hardens and bonds with the existing tooth material. After your treatment is complete, you can typically get right back to enjoying your day. But wait until any numbing wears off before eating any foods, or you might bite your cheek or tongue on accident!
Benefits of Dental Fillings
Dental fillings offer a quick and effective way to prevent dental decay from further damaging your tooth or impacting your oral health. This also helps to ensure that the overall structure of your tooth remains intact, preventing more serious dental treatments in the future. Fillings can also help with cosmetic improvements if you have any discoloration or uneven textures due to dental decay. Finally, dental fillings are designed to be long-lasting, so you can expect your dental filling to remain in place for many years.
We pride ourselves on providing dental fillings that are quick, durable, and effective. Our friendly dental staff takes the time to understand your dental needs and provide personalized care for each of our patients.
Signs You Need a Dental Filling
The most common sign that you might need a dental filling is if you feel pain or discomfort when chewing. However, dental fillings can also be used for aesthetic purposes and to treat other minor dental issues. If you have discoloration or uneven texture in any of your teeth, dental fillings could help give it a more natural appearance. But, it is also important to remember that the early stages of tooth decay might not be noticeable at first, nor may they present symptoms. However, it is still important to treat a tooth with decay before symptoms are present in order to best preserve your tooth’s health. This is why routine visits to the dentist prove such a vital factor in staying healthy, because your dentist can examine your mouth and spot decay that needs treatment even before symptoms become present.
How Long Does a Dental Filling Last?
The longevity of dental fillings depends on many factors, such as the type of dental filling material used and how well you take care of your dental health. Generally speaking, dental amalgam fillings tend to last the longest (up to 15 years), while composite resin dental fillings usually need to be replaced within ten years. However, factors that influence how long your fillings last can include home dentla hygiene, regular dental visits, and diet & lifestyle choices.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
At Alta Dental Care, our highest priority is keeping our patients’ smiles both looking and feeling their best. Our dentist and trained staff are ready to help you handle a wide range of dental concerns, including tackling the early stages of tooth decay. Schedule your appointment for dental fillings in Upland today to lock in your personalized treatment to preserve your smile.
Call 909-451-8300 or for more convenience, request an appointment online.