Determining if you need a filling

The primary reason most people require a tooth filling is tooth decay. Though we see most fillings being applied in cases of cavities and tooth decay, there are several other reasons a person may require a filling. This includes cracked or broken teeth, tooth grinding, chipped teeth due to using your teeth to open things. At La Puente Family Dental Center we use several procedures to find if and when you or any patient requires their tooth or teeth to be filled.

General Observation

The first procedure the dentist will do what is known as a “General Observation”  Some, but not all, discolored spots on your teeth can indicate decay. Dr. Kumar and his staff of trained dental assistants will carefully probe your teeth for possible decay. We look for the healthy tooth enamel which is hard and will resist pressure, whereas the decayed enamel is softer and does not resist the pressure as well.

Steps to a Filling:

First we numb the area that is to be filled so that the patient is comfortable.

Next we remove the decay or cavity using special devices or hand-pieces that remove and clean the area free of decay.

Once we have removed the decay the dentist shape the area and prepare it for the filling, keep in mind that different types of fillings require different shaping procedures to assure that they stay in place.