Are You Afraid of Dental Fillings?

No one is happy when their dentist tells them they have a cavity and need a tooth-colored filling to repair the damage. So what is a cavity and why is it a problem even if the tooth doesn’t hurt? Think of a cavity as an infection of the tooth. A part of the tooth has been broken down by bacteria and those same bacteria are living inside the hole (cavity) they created. Without treatment, the bacteria continue to break the tooth down and the size or the hole in the tooth grows, thus moving closer to the blood supply and nerve inside your tooth. Your dentist wants to stop the breakdown process as soon as possible. That’s why a tooth-colored filling is usually the best first option when a cavity or tooth decay is found. Tooth-colored dental fillings can repair minor tooth damage, such as small areas of tooth decay between or on the surface of your teeth. Getting tooth-colored dental fillings in Charlotte, NC is a very common procedure; however, many people fear the process and the effects that it will have. The artistic experience of Dr. Patrick Broome, DMD and his great staff help patients have a pleasant visit as they look forward to their aesthetically-pleasing results while enjoying the spa-like atmosphere.

Dental Fillings Procedure

When you come for a dental cleaning (also called a hygiene appointment), Dr. Broome will inspect each tooth and look for any areas of decay (cavities) that you might have. If a cavity is found, he will then use state-of-the-art technology to fix it. When the cavity is small, a tooth-colored filling is usually the best option selected to repair the damage. Dr. Broome typically uses the Waterlase iPlus laser system to kill all the bacteria in the cavity and clean out the damaged tooth structure. The tooth can then be rebuilt with tooth-colored filling material that will help prevent further decay and allow you to enjoy worry-free function of the tooth.

Tooth-Colored Fillings

Your dental fillings in Charlotte will be made out of a tooth-colored composite, also called bonding. It is artistically placed in layers to most closely mimic your natural tooth color. A special wavelength of light is used to harden the material, and it is then trimmed and polished to create a tooth that is functional, stable, and much less noticeable than gold or silver fillings. Not only do silver fillings not match the rest of your teeth, a healthy part of the tooth must be removed to anchor the filling since metal cannot be bonded. Silver fillings are also what creates that grayish hue in and around the tooth.

Sedation Dentistry

Patients often visit the Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry and report having a bad experience at another dental office. It’s very common for people to associate pain and having a dental fillings placed, but not at Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry! Dr. Broome provides sedation dentistry for no extra charge to all of his patients so they can have the best possible visit. Sedation dentistry allows you to be relaxed and calm, but still able to respond to questions and instructions. Each person is evaluated prior to their sedation appointment and the appropriate amount and combination determined. Being relaxed allows Dr. Broome to use less local anesthesia when preparing to fill the cavity, and that usually means a much quicker procedure time. Most patients have reported that they are able to sleep well that night and wake up refreshed the next day with little remembrance of the procedure. Sedation dentistry is a safe procedure that will help take the anxiety away from getting a dental filling.

Make an Appointment to Get the Best Dental Fillings in Charlotte

If you need a routine dental appointment and want a great dental experience, make an appointment today with Dr. Broome by calling 704.364.4711 or by contacting us online. There’s no reason to fear if you have a cavity when you go to the Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry. With a spa-like atmosphere, optional sedation dentistry, and state-of-the-art technology, you will have a great dental experience and come out with an aesthetically-pleasing dental filling.   If you're still concerned, here are some tips on how to deal with dental anxiety.