Chances are that you have a filling or two (or maybe more). Over 95 percent of adults have at least one cavity over the course of their lifetimes, making dental caries one of the most common preventable diseases. When it comes to tooth decay, kids are susceptible for a number of reasons, as well. From diet to poor oral hygiene, many children develop decay at an early age.
Dental fillings are a common procedure. Modern advancements in tooth-colored options will help us protect your smile while getting rid of cavities.
Why Do I Need Another Filling?
Dental decay often occurs because of neglect or poor oral hygiene habits. Brushing and flossing is not just a suggestion, but an important step if you want to keep your teeth and avoid unnecessary fillings. Many people brush, but skip the flossing and that can lead to cavities at your gum line and between your teeth. Most people who do brush their teeth at least twice a day do not spend enough time and frequently miss the same areas over and over again.
Bacteria create an acidic environment on your teeth, so when food particles remain there for too long, bacteria can take hold and cause the protective enamel on your teeth to soften. Once that happens, bacteria can flood into the softer dentin of your tooth and cause decay.
Dental decay does not go away on its own. In fact, it acts like a magnet, attracting more and more bacteria until you end up with a bigger problem. That is why digital dental x-rays help. We can detect decay early before it causes pain or a serious condition.
Treatment for Dental Decay in Jonesboro, AR
Having a filling doesn’t sound like a big deal, but a lot goes into even the smallest procedure! Dr. Bartels will first make sure you are completely comfortable by administering an anesthetic. Once you feel numb, he will use precision instruments to gently remove all traces of decay and bacteria. He will also sterilize the area and prepare it for your filling.
At our Jonesboro, AR dental office, we offer composite fillings to our patients so that you can look great in addition to restoring your health. We apply the composite in your cavity and allow it to cure until it hardens. Then, Dr. Bartels will polish your filling and make any necessary adjustments to ensure a good fit. Your filling will blend so perfectly with your natural tooth that no one will even know that you have it.
Dr. Bartels Explains Bonding and Tooth-Colored Fillings
Is It Time for Your Next Routine Exam in the 72401 Area?
We check for conditions like decay and gum disease at every periodic exam. If it is time for your next exam or dental cleaning, give us a call!
We offer both amalgam (silver) and composite (tooth-colored) fillings in our Jonesboro, AR dental office because we like to provide our patients with options. We prefer to place the tooth-colored fillings because they maintain the beauty of your teeth, but if you prefer amalgam fillings, we can talk to you about that option, as well.
Tooth-colored fillings have a number of benefits in addition to being the more aesthetic option. They require less of your tooth structure to be removed in order to fill and seal your tooth. They also do not contract and expand with temperature like metal fillings. Composite fillings are friendlier for the environment because they do not contain mercury. Additionally, composite material can be used to improve the appearance of your teeth with cosmetic dental bonding. We can use them to fix chips and close gaps in your smile.
Composite fillings are more reliable and longer lasting than ever. We can talk to you about the benefits and any questions you may have about which option will work best for you. We believe in offering our patients as many options for their treatment as possible and look forward to providing you with quality restorations that improve your oral health.
Dr. Bartels attended Arkansas State University, where he earned a bachelor's of science degree in zoology. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at Louisiana State University.
Dr. Allison Wright joined our team in 2022 and has enjoyed getting to know all of our long-time wonderful patients as well as many new ones! Dr. Wright graduated Salutatorian of her Dental class from ...
Understanding Dental Fillings: Types, Benefits, and Care for Jonesboro Patients
Who doesn’t love the idea of a quick, painless, robust, and long-lasting solution? Take dental fillings, for instance. With proper care, these routine restorations can ensure a healthy and confident smile for years to come!
Dental fillings are a common and effective way to treat cavities and restore the function of damaged teeth. For patients in Jonesboro, understanding the different types of fillings available, their benefits, and how to properly care for them can help ensure an informed decision and long-lasting oral health.
Dental fillings are one of the most common treatments, and it’s likely that you’ve already got some fillings in your mouth! That being said, many people don’t know the function of a filling, or the benefits of getting a cavity filled. Leaving cavities un-filled can lead to much more serious issues down the road, and our dental team offers tooth-colored fillings for a more natural look.
Here’s what you need to know about dental fillings:
Fillings are a treatment used for cavities that form in your teeth, which is a very common ...
A composite filling is a tooth-colored restoration that we use to repair a decayed tooth. The material contains resin and glass particles, so it has an appearance that’s very similar to tooth enamel. Since we can customize the shade of the composite to match the color of your tooth, the repair is virtually undetectable.
Patients choose composite fillings because they’re a natural-looking option to traditional fillings, making them a perfect replacement for old silver metal fillings that may crack or leak over time. Because the material looks so realistic, we can also use it for dental bonding to repair a chipped or broken tooth, or even alter the shape, size, and spacing of a tooth.
Why Do I Need Another Filling?
