A Tooth Filling Can Be an Alternative to a Tooth Extraction or Dental Implants

Pacific Beach Dentists,  San Diego dentists specialize in general dental services, emergency dental services and cosmetic dentistry in San Diego, Pacific Beach, PB, Ocean Beach, OB, La Jolla and Clairemont.

San Diego Dentists in San Diego, Pacific Beach, PB, Ocean Beach, OB, La Jolla and Clairemont says that patients should have an understanding of dental procedures involving tooth fillings as an alternative to extraction and dental implants.

Dr. Aryan, Pacific Beach San Diego dentist and San Diego Emergency dentist explains that when you visit your dentist to get a tooth filling, you may be given local anesthesia to numb the area if necessary. Next, your san diego dentist will remove decay from the tooth, using hand instruments or a drill. Air abrasion and lasers also can be used to remove decay.

Dr. Aryan, San Diego dentist, typically uses a drill, which is called a handpiece, and metal cones called burs to cut through the enamel and remove the decay. Burs come in many shapes and sizes. He will choose the ones that are right for the size and location of your decay. At first, the dentist will use a high speed drill (the one with the familiar whining sound) to remove the decay and unsupported enamel of the tooth. Once the drill reaches the dentin or second layer of the tooth, the dentist may use a lower speed drill. That’s because dentin is softer than enamel.

Your San Diego dentist will shape the space to prepare it for the filling once all the decay is removed. Different types of fillings require different shaping procedures to make sure they will stay in place. Your dentist may put in a base or a liner to protect the tooth’s pulp (where the nerves are). The base or liner can be made of composite resin, glass ionomer, zinc oxide and eugenol, or another material. Some of these materials release fluoride to protect the tooth from further decay.

If your dentist is placing a bonded filling, he will etch (prepare) the tooth with an acid gel before placing the filling. Etching makes tiny holes in the tooth’s enamel surface. This allows the filling to bond tightly to the tooth. Bonded fillings can reduce the risk of leakage or decay under the filling. That’s because the etched surface of the tooth and the filling material form a mechanical bond. Bonding is generally done with composite fillings.

San Diego Dentists at Pacific Beach Dentist state that certain types of fillings get hardened by a special light. When applying these fillings, your dentist will stop several times to shine a bright light on the resin. This cures (hardens) the material and makes it strong. Finally, after the filling is placed, he will use burs to finish and polish the tooth.

Contact Dr. Aryan, San Diego dentist and Pacific Beach dentist to discuss tooth fillings or other dental treatments