Fillings

Plaque and bacteria cause tooth decay.  Tooth decay is called a cavity.  Tooth decay eats away the enamel of a tooth and will grow bigger if left untreated.  If left untreated long enough, infection and tooth loss can result.  Bacteria can move deeper into the body through deep cavities.

Cavities should be treated as soon as possible.  Treatment requires the decay to be removed from the tooth, and the resulting defect (hole) will be filled with dental material to restore the original shape of the tooth.  The material (and the procedure) are referred to as a “filling.”

Fillings are virtually painless.  Dr. DiMattia numbs the area around the decayed tooth before beginning.  Depending on the type of dental material used, a light may be used to harden the filling.  Fillings are the most common dental procedure performed in the United States.

Filling types include gold, silver amalgam, porcelain, and composite resin.  Gold is expensive but sometimes requested.  Silver amalgam is typically used on back teeth, where the silver color is not readily seen.  Porcelain fillings are usually referred to as onlays or inlays and are similar in cost to gold.  Composite resin is the most common type, especially in the front teeth, due to being tooth-colored and less noticeable.

Dr. Paul F. DiMattia & Associates can handle all of your dental needs.