Dental Fillings Specialist

What is a dental filling?

A dental filling is a treatment for a tooth with a cavity. Dr. Karabell removes all of the decayed material, then seals the hole with a special material. The word “filling” refers both to the material used in the procedure and the procedure.

Fillings are a common dental treatment and an effective way to treat cavities caused by tooth decay. With a filling, Dr. Karabell keeps your mouth healthy and your smile beautiful for years.

How do cavities form?

Cavities develop when plaque is left on your teeth for too long. Plaque is a natural byproduct that forms when you consume foods or beverages that contain carbohydrates. It doesn’t cause any harm if you clean your teeth daily and remove it with simple at-home brushing and flossing.

When it stays in contact with your teeth for too long, though, it can cause damage. Plaque contains acids and bacteria that eat away at your tooth enamel. The longer it sits on your teeth, the more enamel it eats away, eventually creating a hole, or cavity.

Do I need a filling?

You need a filling if you have a cavity. Some of the symptoms of cavities include:

• Visible hole in the surface of your tooth
• Brown, black, or white spots
• Spontaneous toothache
• Sensitivity to hot and cold

If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, schedule a visit with Dr. Karabell immediately. Cavities don’t go away on their own and get worse the longer you leave them untreated.

What are dental fillings made from?

Traditionally, dental fillings were made from silver amalgam. While effective at stopping tooth decay, these silver fillings were aesthetically unattractive and left noticeable dark spots in the teeth that they filled.

Karabell Dentistry offers a technologically advanced solution with white composite fillings. They’re made from a combination of plastic and glass and are shade-matched to blend in with the color of your natural teeth. This makes your filling more discreet and aesthetically pleasing.

White composite fillings are also durable and supportive in ways that silver amalgam is not. Your white composite filling is excellent at protecting your tooth from bacterial reinvasion and keeping your mouth healthy. 

To learn more about how Dr. Karabell can improve your oral health with a white composite filling, schedule a visit with Karabell Dentistry today by calling the office or booking an appointment online.