Dental Fillings

Comfortable Care

One of the most common restorative treatments we offer is dental fillings. Dental fillings play a crucial role in repairing damaged teeth and preventing further decay, allowing you to maintain a healthy and beautiful smile.

What Are Dental Fillings?

Dental fillings are used to repair teeth that have been damaged by fractures, decay, or wear and tear. The process involves removing the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth and filling the cavity with a suitable material to restore the tooth’s structure and function. Fillings not only prevent further decay but also restore the tooth’s strength and appearance.

Types of Dental Fillings

At Cornerstone Dental, we offer a variety of filling materials to suit your specific needs and preferences:

Amalgam Fillings: Made from a mixture of metals, including silver, mercury, tin, and copper, amalgam fillings are known for their durability and strength. They are often used for filling cavities in the back teeth, where chewing forces are greatest.
Composite Fillings: Composed of a resin-based material, composite fillings are tooth-colored and blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. They are a popular choice for fillings in visible areas due to their aesthetic appeal.
Ceramic Fillings: Made from porcelain, ceramic fillings are durable and resistant to staining. They are ideal for patients seeking a natural-looking and long-lasting solution.
Gold Fillings: While less common, gold fillings are highly durable and can last for many years. They are custom-made in a dental lab and require multiple visits to complete.

Why You Might Need a Dental Filling

There are a few different reasons why you might need a dental filling:

Tooth Decay: The most common reason for needing a filling is tooth decay. When bacteria in your mouth produce acids that erode your tooth enamel, cavities can form. Fillings help to remove the decay and restore the tooth.
Cracked or Broken Teeth: Teeth that are cracked or broken due to injury or wear can be repaired with fillings, restoring their shape and function.
Worn Teeth: Teeth that are worn down from habits such as grinding or chewing on hard objects may require fillings to rebuild their structure.

The Dental Filling Procedure

The procedure for getting a dental filling is straightforward and typically involves the following steps:

Examination and Diagnosis: Our skilled dentist will examine your teeth and take X-rays to determine the extent of the decay or damage.
Anesthesia: To ensure your comfort, a local anesthetic is applied to numb the area around the affected tooth.
Removing Decay: The decayed or damaged portion of the tooth is carefully removed using specialized dental instruments.
Preparing the Tooth: The cavity is cleaned and prepared for the filling material. If the decay is near the nerve, a liner may be placed to protect it.
Placing the Filling: The chosen filling material is applied in layers and hardened using a special light. The filling is then shaped and polished to match the natural contours of your tooth.

Cutting Edge Technology

Staying on the leading edge of dental care Dr. Wright primarily uses the SonicFill2 system, unlike traditional methods which are layered as much as 5 times; the SonicFill2 system gives patients improved aesthetics and a longer lasting durability due to its ability to restore the cavity in a single seamless layer reducing the chances of a premature failure. While it’s not appropriate for all situations it is quickly becoming a preferred method of treatment and Dr. Wright is pleased to offer it to his patients.

Improved Aesthetics
Lasting Durability
Single, Seamless Layer

Caring for Your Dental Fillings

Proper care and maintenance are essential to ensure the longevity of your dental fillings. Here are some tips to keep your fillings in excellent condition:

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily to remove plaque and prevent decay.
Regular Dental Check-Ups: Visit Cornerstone Dental for regular check-ups and professional cleanings to monitor the condition of your fillings and overall oral health.
Avoid Hard & Sticky Foods: Chewing on hard or sticky foods and objects can damage your fillings. Be cautious about what you eat and refrain from using your teeth as tools.

Are You Need Of Dental Fillings In The Martinsburg Area?

If you are in need of dental fillings you owe it to yourself to speak with an experienced dentist as soon as possible. Please feel free to contact us online or call our Martinsburg, West Virginia dental office directly at 304.267.6059 to schedule your appointment. We provide a wide range of general dentistry care as well as more involved dentistry services for patients throughout the Martinsburg area and look forward to you joining the Cornerstone Dental family.