Dental Fillings in North Central San Antonio
When you have a dental cavity close to the root, it may cause a lot of pain. When this happens, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. Delaying medical attention may cause further damage to the teeth and make it more difficult to save.
The most common reason for tooth damage is poor oral hygiene. Not brushing and flossing daily leaves food on the teeth, which may lead to cavities. Broken, chipped, cracked, or worn teeth are all candidates for a filling.
What to Expect
During the exam, Dr. Lazor uses instruments to check the tooth or teeth. Depending on the level of damage, an X-ray may need to be done. We examine not only the tooth, but also the gums and bones near it.
After the examination, the dentist decides what can be done to fix the damage. If the damage to the tooth is minor, it may qualify for a filling. However, if the tooth is extremely damaged, a root canal may be necessary.
Types of Fillings
If you need a filling, Dr. Lazor will discuss the available options of filling material. There are several different materials that may be used, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. The choice depends on the level of decay, the location of the damaged tooth, and the price. The materials are gold, silver, porcelain, and a composite resin that’s created to be the same color as your tooth.
Composite fillings, along with silver amalgam fillings, are the most widely used today. Because composite fillings are tooth colored, they can be closely matched to the color of the existing teeth, and are more aesthetically suited for use in the front teeth or more visible areas of the mouth.
In our clinic, we typically use composite fillings. Composite filling is used to repair a tooth damaged by decay, cracks, fractures, and other issues. The decayed or affected portion of the tooth is removed and filled with the composite material.
As with most dental restorations, composite fillings are not permanent and may someday have to be replaced. They’re very durable and last for many years, giving you a long-lasting, beautiful smile.