COMPOSITE FILLINGS

Treating a cavity

The dentist will remove the decayed portion of your tooth and fill it with another substance. This procedure is called a filling. There are multiple options for the material to be used in the filling, the most common of which are composite fillings and amalgam fillings. You can expect your dental cleaning to last about an hour for a regularly seen adult and 30 minutes for a child.

One of our 3 hygienists will perform your evaluation, xrays, and the cleaning, and Dr. Carlisle will come in for an exam at the end to verify treatment that may be needed. Most people find that dental cleanings are painless, and do not cause discomfort.

When can a composite filling be used for?

Decayed tooth (i.e. cavity)
Decreasing the gap between teeth
Chipped or broken teeth

How its done

After the dentist numbs the area where the filling is to be placed, he will remove any decayed portions. A substance is then applied to help open up the pores of your teeth for a stronger bond, and hardened and cured with a special light. Once this is complete, the filling is applied in thin layers to slowly form the complete filling. After the composite has hardened, the filling will be smoothened and polished to be comfortable and fit your bite.