Fillings

Dental fillings are restorations that repair decayed teeth. A cavity, a type of decay, forms when plaque clings to the teeth. This sticky bacteria eats away at your natural tooth structure and creates tiny holes. Fillings prevent these holes from growing larger.

When the Alamo Dental Excellence team fills a cavity, they remove the decayed part of your tooth, clean the cavity, and then fill it with a durable material. This process eliminates decay and restores the natural shape of your tooth. 

The best way to detect cavities is to get regular checkups and cleanings at Alamo Dental Excellence. 

The sooner you treat tooth decay, the easier it is to restore the health and function of your tooth. In fact, at the earliest signs of decay, a fluoride treatment in the office and good dental hygiene at home prevent the need for a filling.

Cavities don’t always cause symptoms like pain and sensitivity, especially at first. If you wait until you have serious discomfort to seek treatment, you may need more involved work, such as a root canal. Fillings are a quick, straightforward procedure that causes minimal discomfort.

Alamo Dental Excellence offers several types of fillings, but the most popular choices are:

Composite fillings, made of a ceramic and plastic compound, match the color of your teeth to blend in with your smile. Effective at treating small cavities, composite resin fillings are an attractive option for decay in the front of your mouth. They can also repair small chips and cracks.

Like composite, porcelain fillings match the shade of your teeth but are also stain-resistant. This durable material can fill larger cavities than composite fillings.

Fillings made of cast gold or silver amalgam are very durable and last longer than composite resin or porcelain. However, they look less natural than other kinds of fillings. Dr. Patel and the team may recommend them if you need a filling near the back of your mouth where it’s not visible.

The team considers your oral health, budget, and lifestyle when recommending specific filling materials.

Maintaining good oral hygiene habits is crucial for a healthy smile with fillings. The team at Alamo Dental Excellence may recommend:

• Avoiding sticky, chewy, or hard foods
• Limiting your sugar intake
• Scheduling a visit if your filling is chipped, loose, or missing
• Staying cautious of tooth-staining foods, like coffee or red wine
• Drinking water instead of acidic beverages like juice and soda
• Brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing daily
• Visiting for teeth cleanings twice a year 

Call Alamo Dental Excellence today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about fillings.