Dental Fillings in Las Vegas

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that 59% of teenagers and 90% of adults have at least one tooth cavity. Cavities can cause discomfort and lead to further tooth decay if not treated, making it essential to turn to qualified professionals for help. At Vegas Dental Experts, we offer dental fillings for cavities. Learn more about what dental fillings are and how the process of getting a filling works. 

What Are Dental Fillings?

Dental fillings are materials like plastic, metals, or porcelain that protect damaged or decayed teeth. To treat a tooth that has decay, we first remove the damaged parts and then use a dental filling to fill in the cavity. We can also use dental fillings to protect cracked or broken teeth. 

Tooth decay can occur when decay-causing bacteria come into contact with starches and sugars from food and drink. The bacteria creates an acid that begins to wear down your tooth’s enamel, leading to decay. 

You can reverse decay when it is in its early stages, but once it has progressed, the best option is to turn to experts to remove the decayed section and add the filling. 

Dental fillings are made from many types of materials, but at Vegas Dental Experts, we use one of the most popular options: tooth-colored composite fillings. 

We do not offer amalgam fillings at our office. Instead, we rely on composite fillings due to their many benefits:

• Color matching
• Less drilling
• Harden within seconds
• Fix chips and cracks
• Simple to repair
• Reduced tooth sensitivity 

Tooth-colored composite fillings are very popular because they can closely match the color of natural teeth. Since the color is very similar to your tooth enamel, they look nearly invisible. 

These types of dental fillings also do not require as much drilling as other types of fillings do. Excessive drilling can weaken your tooth and make it more prone to cracking and other damage, so choosing an option that minimizes this risk is vital. 

Composite fillings bond to your natural tooth and harden within seconds. We position a special light over your fillings to allow the bonding agent to harden. 

Dental fillings made of composite materials can also fix visible cracks and chips on teeth. They are effective because the material hardens quickly and looks natural. 

Composite fillings can also be repaired. If the filling is damaged, it is not necessary to remove it completely and begin the process again. 

Amalgam fillings tend to cause tooth sensitivity. That is not the case with composite resin fillings. The resin helps insulate the tooth from cold and hot temperatures. 

Dental Fillings vs. Dental Crowns

Dental fillings and dental crowns generally provide the same benefits: preventing further tooth decay and restoring the full function of the tooth. 

However, dental fillings are appropriate for teeth with mild to moderate decay or damage. Because the filling sits inside the tooth, the tooth’s structure has to be strong. 

For people who have severely damaged teeth, there may not be enough of the tooth left for dental fillings. In that case, the best option is to have a dental crown. 

If you are not sure which option is right for you, Dr. Chin will offer guidance during your free consultation. 

Benefits of Dental Fillings

Dental fillings help prevent further tooth decay. They prevent a cavity from continuing to spread and block bacteria from growing inside the tooth. If you do not get a filling, the cavity will continue to grow and compromise your tooth’s structure as well as your general oral health. 

Another benefit of dental fillings is that they can reduce discomfort. If you have a damaged tooth exposed to everything that comes into your mouth, it can seriously begin to affect your comfort levels. With a filling in place, you can chew and speak without trouble. 

Dental fillings are long-lasting. You can enjoy all of the benefits of having fillings without the stress of having to replace them often. 

Fillings can also help restore the full use of your teeth. Tooth decay can limit your bite because certain chewing motions cause discomfort. By getting a filling, you can gain full function of your teeth again. 

Process of Getting Dental Fillings

When you contact Vegas Dental Experts, you can schedule a free consultation to meet Dr. Chin and receive an assessment. During your consultation, feel free to share all of your oral health concerns and ask us questions about your treatment plan. We can also review all the payment options we offer to help you afford your treatment. 

Before we add the filling, we will numb the area around the tooth with a topical anesthetic. Dr. Chin will then use a drill to remove the decayed area of the tooth. He will check throughout the process to ensure that all of the decayed tissue is cleared. After that, he will clean the area of debris and bacteria.

If the decay reaches close to the tooth’s root, Dr. Chin may opt to add a liner, also made of composite resin, to protect the nerve. Once he places the filling into the tooth, he will finish it and polish it. 

Dental Fillings Maintenance

Maintaining dental fillings is important if you want to ensure that they last for as long as possible. 

Make sure that you visit us twice a year for cleanings. Regular professional cleanings can prevent further decay in the affected tooth as well as prevent new cavities from forming. 

You will also want to brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss once a day. It is important to treat teeth with fillings as you would all of your other teeth. 

We also recommend limiting your intake of sugary foods and drinks to prevent further cavities and other damage. 

Having dental fillings does not restrict what you can eat or drink, though it is a good idea to limit very hard foods, like hard candy and even apples, because they can put a high level of pressure on your fillings. You also want to avoid biting into hard objects, including your nails. 

When Is It Time to Replace a Tooth Filling?

After a few years, it may be necessary to replace the filling to ensure that you can continue getting all of the benefits of this dental procedure. 

Constant chewing can lead to natural wear and tear on fillings. You may not notice this wear and tear, but Dr. Chin can spot it during your regular checkups. 

If you see that more decay has occurred on the tooth, we’ll ask you to come to our office to see where the problem is. It might mean having to replace the filling. 

Schedule A Free Consultation Today

When you turn to Vegas Dental Experts in Las Vegas, NV, you can get some of the best treatment options for resolving tooth decay. With over 40 years of experience, Dr. Harvey Chin provides dental fillings as well as dental crowns, bridges, veneers, and many other cosmetic and restorative treatments. 

At our office, we use the latest technologies to offer the most effective results. We also offer many payment options to help you pay for the treatment you need in a way that is convenient to you. Why wait any longer? Call Vegas Dental Experts today for a free consultation.