Choosing The Right Dental Filling For Your Cavity Treatment

A dental filling is the most conservative dental restoration that can be used to care for a tooth in poor condition. The filling is carefully placed to occupy the space where a cavity formed so that the tooth has functional support, and so that it can be kept safe against potential infections or bacteria accumulation. At our Ankeny, IA dentist’s office, we can work with you to make sure your filling provides lasting protection for your tooth. If the concern is to provide the most stable restoration possible, we may recommend an amalgam metal filling. For treatment that concerns a tooth that is more visible, we do offer appearance-friendly alternatives to metal that can protect your tooth and smile.

Fillings Provide A Conservative Solution For Your Cavity Troubles

Some form of permanent protection is needed when you have a cavity. Dental fillings provide the most conservative option for treatment. Rather than cover your entire tooth, like a dental crown would, the filling is only applied to the area where a cavity formed and damaged your enamel. This conservative solution keeps the tooth safe, and allows it to remain stable enough to absorb biting and chewing pressures. Its presence also keeps bacteria from gathering in an area where damaged tissues had to be cleared away.

Arranging Your Cavity Treatment

If a problem with tooth decay is discovered in the course of your dental treatment, arrangements can be made to restore it and stop it from growing further. After decayed enamel has been cleared away, the tooth will be restored with a custom filling. If this treatment is performed on a molar or premolar that is difficult to see, we may recommend a metal filling. Metal can provide remarkable stability, so the substance can be counted on to protect teeth that experience the most biting and chewing pressures. For teeth that are more visible, we can use a composite resin material to restore your tooth. These fillings can be tinted to match the color of teeth in order to provide cosmetic as well as functional value.

Is A Filling Going To Offer Enough Support For Your Tooth?

Some cavities will simply be too severe for a dental filling to be effective at protecting your tooth. In a situation like this, we can use a dental crown to provide more protection. If necessary, we can discuss setting a meeting with an endodontist to treat your cavity if there are complications to address.

Talk To Your Ankeny, IA Dentist About Treatment With A Dental Filling

At our Ankeny, IA dentist’s office, patients who are concerned about a possible cavity can discuss treatment with a dental filling. The filling can keep your tooth safe, and – if it is in a conspicuous location – we can take care to provide one that is discreet. To find out more about our services, please call Dental Impressions at (515) 965-0230.