Dental Fillings McLean
Dental fillings maintain your oral health by restoring lost tooth structure, usually due to dental decay. Teeth can experience decay as a result of plaque and tartar buildup. Left untreated, teeth can become infected and result in more extensive dental work such as a root canal treatment. As a result, we encourage patients to maintain their routine dental exams and cleanings. Proper dental care minimizes the risk of decay and need for dental fillings.
What is a dental filling?
A dental filling is a procedure performed to restore a tooth suffering from decay. The procedure includes decay removal and placement of restoration under local anesthesia. Most commonly used materials are lithium dislicate (tooth colored), composite-resin (tooth-colored), and amalgam (silver). Tooth colored fillings can be used as soon as the anesthesia wears off, whereas amalgam fillings have a 24-hour set time.
How can I prevent tooth decay?
Tooth decay is a result of bacterial infiltration into the tooth. As plaque builds on the teeth, the enamel wears down which exposes the tooth to infection. Plaque and tartar are both naturally recurring, which is why dental hygiene is so important to maintain. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily. Also, visit us for your routine dental exams and cleanings. This helps to detect decay early on and prevent new decay from forming.
How do I know if I have tooth decay?
Tooth decay can be confirmed through a professional dental exam. However, patients may notice the following symptoms that could indicate a dental issue.
- Sharp tooth pain
- Tooth pain while eating or drinking
- Hot or cold tooth sensitivity
Please note that some patients may not notice any symptoms. Therefore, it is important to have regular exams of your teeth and gums by a dental professional.
Schedule a dental exam.
Your teeth and gums should be examined routinely to detect oral issues like decay. Our team would be delighted to assist and educate to improve your oral health. Call (703) 356-4822 or book an appointment online. Our dental office is conveniently located at 1826 Westmoreland St. McLean, VA 22101.