At Kik Dental, we use dental fillings to restore teeth damaged by decay back to their normal function and shape. While in the past, most fillings were composed of an amalgam of metals mixed with mercury, today’s modern tooth-colored fillings contain no metals or mercury.

Instead, they are made from a solid composite resin material similar in durability and strength to natural tooth enamel. The composite material is bonded into the tooth using a specialized bonding agent. It is then shaped and polished using a special light to result in a restoration that looks and feels natural. Safer for oral health and more cosmetically pleasing than other options, tooth-colored fillings can also help restore teeth worn down from clenching and grinding. 

The Benefits of Dental Fillings

There are several reasons why a dentist may recommend a filling. The first one is cavities. Cavities form when plaque and bacteria are left on the teeth for a long time. These substances eat away at the tooth, creating holes or spaces in the enamel and underneath the gum line. A cavity must be filled to protect the tooth from further decay and damage. If left untreated, the cavity could grow in severity and eventually require a root canal to treat it. In addition to treating tooth decay, fillings can cover teeth that have been cracked or broken due to injury. 

By restoring the damaged portion of the tooth with a filling, our dentist can prevent further damage from occurring to the tooth. This form of restorative dentistry can help you avoid more complex treatments or even tooth extraction. However, it is essential to note that brushing regularly and flossing daily are still crucial to the health of your mouth and your remaining natural teeth. Without proper oral hygiene, you may still be susceptible to cavities or gum disease that could require more extensive treatments. 

The Dental Filling Procedure

The dentist starts by numbing the tooth and surrounding area with local anesthesia. Then, the dentist drills out the decay and shapes the space that the filling will fill. Once the tooth is prepared correctly, the dentist places the filling material into the cavity. They then harden the material with a curing light to help it bond to the natural tooth and prevent bacteria from entering the space.

Once the material is hardened, the dentist will check your bite to ensure it is properly aligned. Finally, the dentist will polish the restoration to blend in with your natural teeth. 

Visit Kik Dental at 403 S 11th St Suite 200, Boise, Idaho 83702, or call (208) 342-3440 to schedule an appointment with our dentist as soon as you feel you may be experiencing tooth pain, sensitivity, or any other discomfort. Our dentist will help ensure you receive the proper care and treatment you need promptly!