mcallen Dental Fillings

Dental fillings are used to treat cavities. In this procedure, the damaged and decayed enamel is cut away from the affected tooth, and is replaced with an inert, durable material. This removes the source of the decay, eliminates pain, and restores the shape, size, and function of the tooth.
 
 In the past, metal fillings made of silver, tin, copper, and mercury were the most common filling material. Today, though, composite fillings are more common. This type of filling uses layers of dental resin to rebuild your tooth. Compared to metal fillings, composite fillings look and feel more natural, making them a better option for most patients.

Deep cavities often result in a toothache. If you feel a lot of pain around one of your teeth, you may have a cavity, and your tooth may be at a high risk of becoming infected.
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Another common sign of a cavity is tooth sensitivity. If one of your teeth is sensitive to hot and cold foods and drinks, or feels painful when you chew or bite, you may have a cavity.
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In some cases, you may even be able to see visual signs of a cavity. If one of your teeth has dark black or brown stains, or you can see visible holes or pits in the tooth, it may be decayed.
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However, cavities don’t always cause pain or discomfort, and they’re not always easily visible. This is one of the reasons that it’s important to get regular preventive care, such as six-month teeth cleanings from a dentist like Dr. Ricardo Munoz. This helps you catch cavities early when they may not be causing any of the above symptoms.

No. The filling process is minimally invasive, and Dr. Munoz will numb your mouth to ensure you don’t feel any pain. In addition, you can be sedated during the process to ensure you have a completely comfortable, pain-free experience.

Fillings usually last somewhere between 10-15 years, though it’s possible for fillings to last 20 years or longer, in some cases. To make sure your filling lasts as long as possible, maintain good oral hygiene habits. Brush twice a day for two minutes and floss once a day, and see Dr. Munoz every six months for a teeth cleaning and oral exam at North Park Dental.