Cavities and Dental Fillings

When a tooth or teeth become susceptible to plaque and other acidic bacteria for long periods of time, your tooth begins to decay. The decay often leaves a small hole in the tooth known as a cavity. The cavity is most often felt when the hole is near the root nerve and causes pain or discomfort. To treat a cavity your dentist will remove the decayed portion of the tooth and then "fill" the area on the tooth where the decayed material was removed.  The location and extent of the decay, cost of filling material, patients' insurance coverage, and Dr. Polson's recommendation assist in determining the type of filling that is best for you.

There are several dental filling materials available however teeth can  generally be filled with  porcelain, or tooth-colored materials called composite resin fillings. Composite fillings contain small "filler" particles of glass like material for strength and wear resistance. Our office uses the finest and most up to date materials available today.  As with any investment only your continuing care and regular dental exams can we assure optimum service longevity.

Fillings Used For Cosmetic Repair

Fillings are also used to repair cracked or broken teeth and teeth that have been worn down from misuse (such as from nail-biting or tooth grinding).  This cosmetic enhancement with composite fillings is referred to as bonding which can be a great alternative to more expensive veneers and still give you a self-empowering, beautiful smile.