Tooth decay can affect your oral health, function, and appearance, but natural-looking fillings help restore damaged areas and seamlessly blend with your teeth. With four convenient locations in Bonney Lake, Sumner, Puyallup, and Tacoma, Washington, Rainier Dental’s expert team provides high-quality fillings to protect and enhance your smile. Call today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.
Fillings are minor dental restorations that treat tooth decay (cavities). When plaque — a sticky film of bacteria — builds on your teeth, decay can develop. This clingy bacteria eats away at your natural tooth structure. Removing the affected portion of the tooth is the only way to stop decay from spreading.
Placing a filling involves removing the decayed portion and rebuilding the tooth’s shape, size, and strength with a durable material.
These are tooth-colored fillings that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. They’re aesthetically pleasing and stain-resistant. While ceramic or porcelain fillings are ideal for the teeth near the front of your mouth, they may not be durable enough for weight-bearing teeth like molars.
The steps involved in filling placement depend on the material you choose. For example, if you opt for ceramic fillings, your dentist prepares the tooth by removing the decayed or damaged portion. Then, they apply the material, shape it to match your tooth's contours, and use a special light to harden and bond the filling in place, ensuring a durable and natural-looking restoration.
Fillings typically require no downtime, but there are a few steps you can take to protect your teeth after your visit, such as:
Tell your dentist immediately if you experience any pain, loosening, or prolonged tooth sensitivity.
Call Rainier Dental today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about fillings.