Dentist near Yuba City CA Protects Your Smile from Cavities with Fillings

When a patient has a cavity, Dr. Nolan will work to remove the decayed portion that’s on your teeth and fill it with another substance in order to protect the rest of your tooth. This process is called a filling. Two of the most common materials that your dentist will use are composite fillings and amalgam fillings.

Most patients prefer a composite filling, which is also known as a tooth-colored filling. The material that’s used can be closely matched to the color of the teeth. This option also provides proper durability for small to medium cavities and involves removing less of the tooth than you would with an amalgam filling. With the benefit of the tooth colored filling, patients who receive this procedure are well suited if their treatment involves front or other highly visible teeth.

What can a composite filling be used for?
Most of the time, composite fillings are used for cavities and other decayed teeth. It’s to fill in the empty space to protect the rest of the tooth. A patient can also receive this treatment for chipped or broken teeth, as well as decreasing the shown gap between teeth.

How It’s Done
To eliminate any pain or discomfort, Dr. Nolan will numb the area where the filling is going to be placed and remove any of the decayed area. After, a substance is applied to open up the pores of your teeth for a stronger bond that’s hardened and cured with a special light. Once this is finished, the composite filling is applied in thin layers in order for the filling to slowly begin to form. Once it has officially hardened, the filling will be smoothed out and polished in order to provide comfort and natural fit to your bite.

To schedule an appointment with your dentist near Yuba City CA, call our office today at (916) 645-1138.