Dental Fillings - Colonial Heights, VA Dentist

A dental filling is placed to "fill in" a hole or gap in a tooth caused by decay or damage.  Fillings help to restore the tooth to its original shape and function, prevent further decay or damage, relieve and prevent pain/sensitivity and improve the appearance of the tooth. At the office of Katrina A. Thatch, DDS, mostly composite resin (tooth-colored) fillings are placed, but silver amalgam or glass ionomer fillings are occasionally used as well.

What’s right for me?

Several factors influence the performance, durability, longevity, and expense of dental restorations, including:

• The components used in the filling material
• The amount of tooth structure remaining
• Where and how the filling is placed
• The chewing load that the tooth will have to bear

Before your treatment begins, your doctor will discuss with you all of your options and help you choose the best filling for your particular case. 

What are the steps for this procedure? 

1. Your dentist will first numb the area to be worked on (if needed) to keep you comfortable and pain-free during the procedure

2. The damaged or decayed tissue is removed with specialized instruments

3. The hole is filled with dental filling material.

4. A dental curing light is used to harden the material

5. The filling is polished and smoothed to remove any rough edges

6. Your bite will be checked to make sure it feels normal