A filling is a way to restore tooth decay. When you receive a filling, the dentist will first remove the decayed tooth, clean the area, then fill it in with filling material. Materials used for a filling include a composite resin which is tooth colored or an amalgam, which is an alloy of silver, copper, tin, mercury and sometimes zinc. 

 

The material used will be determined by the extent of repair needed, where in your mouth the filling is needed, and whether you have allergies. Amalgam fillings are more noticeable than a composite restoration, which is why they are usually used in non- visible areas of the mouth. A composite filling is matched to be the same color as your teeth and is a lot less noticeable, which is why they are used on high visibility areas of the mouth.

 

If tooth decay has damaged a large area of a tooth, a cap or crown may be needed. A crown is a way to repair a damaged or discolored tooth. Crowns restore the shape, appearance and strength of a tooth, protecting the root and restoring function. The crown is essentially a tooth shaped cap that sets on the remains of the natural tooth. The crown functions like a normal tooth once seated. Any decay that has reached a nerve may also need a root canal.  During a root canal procedure, the nerve and pulp are removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed. A  post, core and crown are recommended after a root canal. The general rule of thumb is that a dental crown will need to be placed over a tooth that has just received a root canal if the tooth is a premolar or one of the back grinding teeth. These teeth need to be kept strong as they are used continuously when eating throughout the day. If the tooth had previous damage or is now a lot weaker because all of the pulp has been removed, then a dentist will often put a cap/crown over it to keep it strong so that no further damage is done.

  

We do offer extractions, which means to have a tooth removed, usually because of disease, trauma or crowding. 

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