Tooth Fillings in Dixon
Tooth fillings are a significant dental treatment in repairing small holes in teeth caused by decay. Decay is the result of bacterial infection.
Dental Fillings
at Exceptional Dentistry
Tooth fillings are a significant dental treatment in repairing small holes in teeth caused by decay. Decay is the result of bacterial infection. Bacteria stubbornly accumulates on your teeth daily when you do not brush or floss properly. Plaque can also be the result of a poor diet, lifestyle habits, drug use, medications, medical conditions and more. A tooth filling fills and covers an exposed hole in your tooth to protect the sensitive pulp and to prevent any further damage.
At Exceptional Dentistry, our entire staff strives to provide exceptional, affordable, and professional dental care in a welcoming and relaxing environment. Each of us believes that you deserve quality family time so we can achieve and maintain your ultimate smile goals. We will not begin any proposed treatment until you fully understand and agree with the diagnosis and the treatment plan. If a tooth filling procedure is the solution for your oral health care, call us at 815-288-4731. We are conveniently located at 724 N. Brinton Ave., Dixon, Il, 61021. We look forward to treating you as a family member with exceptional service.
There are a few different dental approaches we can use to treat tooth decay. One of the most frequent and common treatments is a tooth filling. Dental cavities are extremely common. According to current research, over 90 percent of U.S. adults ages 20 to 64 have developed a cavity. A tooth filling will prevent the decay from progressing and allows the tooth to function normally. Tooth fillings have improved with technology, and it is now much easier and quicker to have a cavity treated at Exceptional Dentistry.
Experienced Doctors
Looking for a dentist in Dixon, IL? Our highly knowledgeable dentists have 35+ years of combined experience; at our Dixon dental office, you're always in good hands.
Modernized Dental Care
Our Dixon dentists continuously use advanced and proven dental methods to ensure you receive the highest quality care.
Family-Oriented Practice
Dental care isn't just for adults; it's for kids too! Our dentists in Dixon, IL are happy to treat younger patients.
Emergency Dental Care
Emergencies won't wait for you; you shouldn't have to wait either. Our dentists in 61021 offer same-day treatments for dental emergencies!
How Do You Know You Could Have a Cavity?
If you schedule regular six-month checkups with Exceptional Dentistry, we can identify cavities early. The sooner we can treat a cavity, the better the outcome, and the treatment will also be less invasive. Yet another good reason to schedule your regular dental checkups.
Here are some symptoms or signs of a cavity developing:
- A tooth develops a sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks.
- There is a constant ache in the tooth.
- An increase in sensitivity to sugary foods and drinks.
- The tooth color does not look normal, it appears either whiter or even a darker color.
- An obvious hole or pit in the tooth.
Your team at Exceptional Dentistry uses a small, handheld mirror and dental explorer to examine the surfaces of each tooth, and anything that looks and feels abnormal will be confirmed with an x-ray. Your tooth filling treatment will depend on the extent of the damage and the filling material we choose together.
The Different Types of Tooth Fillings
There are several types of tooth fillings used. These range from a traditional metal filling to a more popular composite filling.
- Silver-color fillings- Formulated with metal amalgams, which is a combination of silver, tin, mercury, and copper. This substance is more durable than tooth-color fillings and also more affordable. Some people might express a concern about the mercury content, but research has proven that amalgam fillings are not harmful.
- White tooth-color fillings, or composites- This filling material is glass or quartz particles combined with an acrylic resin. It is durable and costs a little more than metal amalgams.
- Porcelain fillings- These look extremely natural and are more expensive. They are custom created in a dental lab once we provide an impression of your tooth.
- Glass ionomer fillings- These fillings are tooth-colored but not as strong as composites. They are made up of acrylic and a type of glass that contains fluoride which will help prevent any further cavities. They are used more often for children’s teeth.
- Gold fillings- This combination of gold, copper, and other metals is quite durable and more expensive. They also will not look natural. Gold fillings are also fabricated in a dental lab after we take an impression of the tooth.
Dental Bridges
The Tooth Filling Procedure
The tooth filling procedure is quite simple. Your team at Exceptional Dentistry will first examine your teeth and use handheld dental instruments to identify the cavity. We will take an X-ray of the tooth to confirm the extent of the tooth decay.
The next step in preparation is the administration of a local anesthetic to numb the immediate area. This will prevent discomfort during the procedure.
Once the area is adequately numb, we use a high-speed dental drill to remove the decay. Then we sterilize and prepare the area for the filling. When placed, some fillings are cured, or hardened, with a blue wavelength light.
After the tooth filling has been placed, we polish the tooth and confirm that your bite alignment is still correct.
Tooth Fillings Aftercare
After your tooth filling is finished, you may continue to have a minor numbing sensation in the immediate area for a few hours. When the numbness has receded, you can resume all your daily activities. You will treat your new tooth filling just like the rest of your teeth. With continuous and proper daily brushing and flossing you will make sure your tooth filling lasts for quite some time. You could experience some minor sensitivity with the tooth following your treatment. This is common and will diminish after some time. If you have discomfort with the tooth, bring it to our attention.
During your regular check-ups with your team at Exceptional Dentistry, we will always check the integrity of the tooth filling and make sure no additional decay is evident.
Your Satisfaction Make Our Services Exceptional
The entire staff at Exceptional Dentistry pays deliberate attention to all details when it comes to providing you with superior dental care. We will review your oral health history, capture digital images to document continued history, and always discuss any diagnosis, treatment options, and financing and insurance benefits. We want you to make educated and informed decisions about your dental care. If a tooth filling procedure is the solution for your oral health care, give our office a call at 815-288-4731. We are also easy to find at 724 N. Brinton Ave, Dixon, Il, 61021. We treat all patients as family with exceptional treatment.