How Fillings Offer Protection for Your Teeth

More than a quarter of the adults in the United States have untreated dental caries, or cavities. Dental fillings are one of the most common treatments dentists perform. Even though you may not look forward to getting a filling, it can be a critical part of maintaining your oral health. 

Dr. Stephen Hiroshige and his staff have repaired thousands of teeth with dental fillings. We know that many people dread hearing that they need a filling, but once you understand how the filling protects your teeth, it may not seem like such a dreadful procedure! 

Reasons you might need a filling 

Cavities, or dental caries, are among the most common reasons you might need a filling. However, Dr. Hiroshige may suggest a filling if you have a chipped, cracked, worn, or broken tooth as well. 

Some people need fillings because they’ve been lifelong nail-biters, or they’ve used their teeth like tools to open packages or subjected them to other misuse. Regardless of the reason you need a filling, your teeth will be healthier when the procedure is complete. 

Materials used in fillings

Dr. Hiroshige uses a material called resin to create tooth-colored fillings. This has several advantages over traditional metal composites. For one thing, they are less noticeable. For another they are safer.

Most of our patients like the fact that their filling is the same color as their teeth and completely unnoticeable. Dr. Hiroshige is expert in making sure that the color of your filling matches your teeth and in shaping and polishing it so that it blends in perfectly. 

The protection of a filling

When you have any kind of hole in your tooth, whether it was created by Dr. Hiroshige removing infectious material, your natural enamel barrier has worn away, or you’ve cracked or broken your tooth, bacteria can get in. When bacteria reaches the soft pulp, inside your tooth, or the roots of your tooth, it can cause decay and infection. Without proper treatment, you may need a root canal or even have to have the tooth extracted. 

However, a filling can prevent those kinds of outcomes. Dr. Hiroshige can clean your teeth and seal any breaches with a filling. This prevents the infection from spreading and destroying your tooth.

If your tooth is cracked or broken, a filling can prevent the problem getting worse. In other words, a small crack won’t get bigger or lead to a broken tooth. The filling seals the breach and also lends strength to your tooth. 

Still have questions? 

If you still have questions regarding why you need a filling and how it can improve your oral health, we encourage you to schedule an appointment. Dr. Hiroshige is happy to answer your questions in the context of your dental issues.