Quality Dental Fillings in Arlington, VA

If you are suffering from a toothache or sensitivity, it may be time to get checked for cavities. These little holes caused by tooth decay can sneak up on you, but when they arrive, time is of the essence. If left untreated, the deterioration could worsen, requiring a more extensive procedure such as a crown or root canal.

Lighthouse Dental in Arlington, VA, should be your go-to if you suspect you might have a cavity and need a dental filling.

What Are Dental Fillings?

Dentists use dental fillings to repair the cavities in decaying teeth with different materials. The idea is to restore the integrity of the tooth for stability and to prevent further decay. Fillings are an excellent long-term solution to prevent the need for more expensive procedures down the road.

Your dentist will use a small mirror to examine each tooth for abnormalities: discoloration, sensitivity, or clear signs of damage. This is how the dentist will determine the extent of work they need to perform.

How Are Tooth Fillings Done?

Using a local anesthetic, the dentist numbs the area near the tooth that will be filled. Then a tool, like an air abrasion instrument or laser, removes the troubled region. Once they are sure that all the decay is gone, the dentist rids the cavity of any bacteria or debris. Upon investigation, your dentist may find the decay treading close to the root, in which case they place a glass ionomer or composite resin to protect the nerve.

In the case of tooth-colored fillings, your dentist will apply the filling material in layers, hardening each in stages with a special light before shaping, trimming, and polishing the composite material for the final result.

Dental fillings come in a variety of materials, from gold to porcelain to composite resin. Your dental professional will recommend one of these. Metal fillings are no longer common in this day and age, and most dentists—like our very own Dr. Kevin Mistry—will install tooth-colored fillings of durable resin, making your teeth more robust and natural-looking.

Why You Should Get Composite Fillings

The material of composite fillings matches the color of your teeth, and hardly anyone will be able to tell the difference. Tooth-colored dental fillings also last a long time in comparison to amalgam fillings.

Amalgam fillings require a few hours to settle into your teeth, preventing you from eating during that time. If you need a filling but want to get back to your routine as quickly as possible, the good news is that tooth-colored dental fillings are ready for use immediately after your procedure. Upon leaving, you can be sure that a quality dental filling will prevent any further damage or decay.

If composite dental fillings are what you need, give Lighthouse Dental in Arlington, VA, a call at 703-920-6600 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kevin Mistry.