How Does a Tooth Filling Actually Work?

When it comes to chronic dental health issues, cavities are the most common kind that your smile may face. That’s because they’re caused by oral bacteria that make up the plaque that clings to your teeth every day. Like most people, you may not always be as diligent as you should at keeping your teeth clean of them. At our Cleveland, TX, dental office, we may be able to help you treat your cavity discreetly and conservatively with a tooth-colored filling.

The art of fixing a cavity

Treating a cavity is often a straightforward process, but it’s still a unique and highly personalized one. Every tooth is unique, and so is every cavity that develops; therefore, we will have to carefully examine and diagnose your tooth decay before deciding if a tooth filling is the right answer. If so, then we will carefully design your treatment to restore and protect your tooth by filling the cavity precisely with a tooth-colored, biocompatible resin. Once bonded to your tooth structure, the resin will create a tight and effective seal to stop bacteria from infecting the tooth again.

How modern tooth fillings work

Tooth fillings have long been a solution to common cavities, but modern restorations are often more lifelike and durable than ever before. Made from tooth-colored composite resin that’s tinted to closely match your tooth’s color and shade, the resin is designed to conform closely to the shape of your cavity once it’s been placed. Once we bond it to the structure within your tooth’s cavity, the filling will protect the tooth from further infection as well as alleviate the discomfort in the tooth and restore its ability to function properly.

Other benefits to tooth-colored fillings

Modern fillings made from composite resin are often called tooth-colored fillings because of their natural, highly customized appearance. This makes them a more discreet alternative to older, metal tooth fillings, but their benefits to your tooth and oral health go beyond keeping your smile looking healthy and natural. For example, its ability to conform precisely to the shape of your cavity and bond securely to your tooth structure also means that a tooth-colored resin filling may offer better protection in the long-term, as well.

Fix your cavity with a tooth filling

If you have a cavity, a tooth filling may be able to fix it and preserve the rest of your healthy, natural tooth structure. To learn more, call our Cleveland Family Dentistry office in Cleveland, TX, today at (281) 592-1234. We also serve the residents of Kingwood, Conroe, Livingston, and all surrounding communities.