Dental fillings are one of the most commonly provided dental treatments. Maybe you had a couple of fillings when you were a child or you have a dentist suggesting to you now that you get a filling and you’re wondering whether it’s actually worth it. In this latest blog post, we tackle what exactly it is that dental fillings do for you so you can have the information you need to make smart decisions about your oral healthcare.

The Purpose of Dental Fillings

Dental fillings are one of those dental treatments where its name really hits the nail on the head. A dental filling is when a special dental material is used to fill in the hole or space left by a cavity. Getting a dental filling also involves the removal of any decay, or damaged tooth structure, within that area before the placement of the actual filling. With that filling in place, your tooth is reinforced against bacteria and decay.

Fillings can also be used to fix small chips. The filling material is bonded to the area around the tooth then polished to feel smooth. This is a simple and affordable way to restore a tooth's shape.

What Happens If You Don’t Get a Dental Filling

If you have an advanced cavity and don’t get a dental filling, then the cavity can get worse and spread deeper into the tooth. If an infection hits the inner tissue area of a tooth, then it’s possible you’ll need to get root canal therapy to fix the situation. If the situation is really dire, then you could need a tooth extraction to protect your health.

Fillings in Jamaica Plain & Malden, MA

Do you think you need a dental filling? Or do you have more questions about the treatment? Please schedule an appointment with our team at Atlantic Dental Partners. We can check out whether or not you have a cavity, discuss your treatment options if so, or simply give you some more information about how the filling procedure works and how it may benefit you. Contact us today!