Fillings
Cosmetic & General Dentistry located in San Antonio, TX
When cavities develop, top quality fillings can prevent further dental damage. Mark A Porter, DDS, and Shane Porter, DDS, offer the latest fillings materials and technology to residents of San Antonio, Texas, and the surrounding region. If you think a filling might be in your future, call today to schedule a visit or book online in just moments.
Fillings remove tooth decay and seal off damaged areas of tooth tissue, preventing decay from advancing deeper within your tooth tissue. They’re the primary treatment for dental cavities, which are among the most common forms of chronic disease in the world.
Teeth are always exposed to a mix of plaque, tartar, and bacteria in the ever changing environment of the human mouth. Plaque is a clear film that sticks to the surface of your teeth. They occur when bacteria feed on the sugars and starches from your food.
Plaque contains acids that slowly wear away your tooth enamel. That creates small openings or holes. Left untreated, those openings can deepen, creating a cavity and providing a space for plaque and bacteria to continue eroding your natural tooth tissue.
In most cases, an injection of local anesthetic is the first step in getting one or more fillings. Once you are numb, your dentist begins by using a special dental tool to remove any damaged tooth tissue. Once they reach a healthy level of tooth tissue, the area is carefully cleansed to remove all traces of bacteria.
Next, your dentist places the filling material into the cleared cavity, making sure to reach all areas to create a strong seal. Once the material hardens, your dentist checks to ensure a smooth surface. Mark A Porter, DDS, does not offer metal amalgam fillings, but will gladly replace older metal fillings with tooth-colored restorations.
Inlays and onlays are similar restorations that replace decayed tooth tissue with custom-fitted porcelain or composite resin materials. This approach is a good option if you have larger areas of decay or damage that a filling cannot easily replace.
The best approach is preventive and begins with routine dental exams. Your dentist uses advanced tools and a skilled visual assessment to determine if dental decay is present.
Professional cleanings remove any plaque or tartar that your at-home dental hygiene routine may have missed. Daily brushing and flossing is a critical part of preventing cavities, and your dental care team is happy to help you “brush up” on your brushing and flossing techniques. Call the office today to book a visit. Online scheduling is also available and is fast and easy.