Dental Fillings in Dunn, NC

At J. Michael Williams, DDS, we treat every patient like family and are dedicated to keeping your teeth healthy and strong. Our commitment to your oral health drives everything we do. Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease affecting both children and adults in the United States, impacting people of all ages and walks of life. To combat this widespread issue, dental fillings are a key part of our general dentistry offerings. They not only stop decay in its tracks but also restore the function of your teeth, helping you maintain a strong, healthy smile for years to come.

What Are Dental Fillings?

We use dental fillings to repair teeth that have been compromised by decay, cracks, or other damage. At J. Michael Williams, DDS, we primarily use white composite fillings because they are known for their durability and natural appearance.

After removing the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth, we fill the resulting cavity to rebuild the tooth structure and improve the tooth’s function. This also helps to improve its appearance, making the tooth look natural again. In addition to providing immediate results, fillings help prevent further decay and damage, safeguarding your oral health in the long term.

Why Do You Need Dental Fillings?

Formation of Cavities

Cavities form when bacteria in your mouth feed on sugars from food and drinks, producing acids. These acids lower the pH in your mouth, creating an acidic environment that erodes tooth enamel. Over time, this erosion weakens the enamel, leading to cavities. If left untreated, the decay can go deeper into the tooth, causing more serious damage.

We use dental fillings as the primary treatment for cavities that have progressed beyond the early stages. During the procedure, we remove the decay and then fill the cavity with composite resin. This putty-like material can be matched to the shade of your teeth. Unlike old silver fillings, composite fillings blend beautifully into your smile.

Chips and Cracks

Teeth can chip or crack for several reasons. Direct impacts, like sports injuries, falls, or accidents, are common causes. Biting down on hard objects, such as ice or hard candy, can also lead to damage. We use dental fillings to restore the shape and function of chipped or cracked teeth, allowing you to chew and speak comfortably. This treatment helps prevent further damage and maintains the tooth’s integrity.

Fillings also create a protective barrier that seals off the damaged area, preventing bacteria from entering and causing additional decay.

Preventative Treatment

Some teeth are more prone to decay because they have deeper grooves and pits, making it easier for plaque and food particles to accumulate. Those located in areas that are harder to clean effectively, such as the back molars, are particularly vulnerable. Additionally, factors like your oral hygiene habits, diet, and saliva production can increase the likelihood of certain teeth developing decay.

To protect these vulnerable teeth, we use preventive fillings called dental sealants. These fillings act as a barrier, sealing off areas where bacteria and plaque can accumulate, which helps to prevent decay from developing. By using fillings in a preventive manner, we take a proactive approach to your oral health. Preventive fillings not only safeguard your teeth from future decay but also reduce the risk of more serious dental problems down the road.

Dental Fillings: A Step-by-Step Guide to Restoration

At J. Michael Williams, DDS, we are dedicated to providing you with a comfortable and reassuring experience. When it comes to dental fillings, we aim to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. Here’s what you can expect during the dental filling procedure:

1. Examining the damage and preparing the tooth: We begin by examining your teeth, discussing your symptoms, and taking any necessary X-rays to determine the extent of damage or decay. To prioritize your comfort, we will apply a local anesthetic to numb the area around the affected tooth.
2. Removing decay: Next, we remove the decayed portion. We thoroughly clean the cavity of bacteria and debris. If the decay is near the root, we may apply a protective liner. We then fill the cleaned-out cavity with the tooth-colored composite resin. This material is applied in layers and cured with a special light.
3. Shaping and polishing: We shape the composite filling to fit the tooth perfectly, trim off any excess material, and polish it to achieve a smooth finish. Finally, we check your bite to confirm that the filled tooth aligns comfortably with your other teeth.

This entire procedure typically takes place in a single visit. The goal is to repair the cavity, prevent further decay, and restore the tooth’s function and integrity. After the procedure, you might experience some tooth sensitivity, but it should subside within a few weeks.

Protect Your Oral Health at J. Michael Williams, DDS

Don’t let tooth decay compromise your oral health or the health of your loved ones. Dental fillings at J. Michael Williams, DDS, can restore your teeth’s function and appearance, prevent further decay, and protect against additional damage.

Our experienced team in Dunn, NC, is dedicated to providing the high-quality care you and your family deserve. Let us help you maintain a healthy, confident smile. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and experience the benefits of compassionate dental care firsthand.

Frequently Asked Questions