FILLINGS

A filling repairs and restores the surface of a tooth that has been damaged by decay, fracture, or wear.  A dental filling strengthens the tooth.  If tooth decay is not repaired at its early stages, it will worsen and additional or alternative dental treatments may be necessary. 

After a thorough exam of your teeth, gums and supporting bone structure, Dr. Altenburg will discuss treatment options with you and answer your questions.  If the agreed upon treatment is a dental filling, Dr. Altenburg will:

• Apply a local anesthetic to the affected area of your mouth
• Use a hand-held instrument to prepare your tooth by removing the decayed or damaged tooth surface
• Cleanse the prepared tooth to remove debris and bacteria
• Isolate the tooth to keep it clean and free of saliva during your procedure
• select the dental filling material based on the placement of the tooth, the location of the damaged area of the tooth, and the extent of its surface damage
• apply adhesives and filling material to the prepared area and shape it to match the look and feel of a natural tooth
• expose a special hand-held light to the filling material to harden the repaired surface of your tooth