Identifying a cavity early can mean the difference between a straightforward filling and a more complex procedure down the road. When decay starts breaking down your tooth enamel, a dental filling removes the damaged material and seals your tooth with durable, natural-looking composite resin. At our Summerlin, Las Vegas dental practice, we prioritize preserving your healthy tooth structure while restoring full function and a seamless appearance that keeps your smile looking its best.
At Mesa Dental, we combine science-backed techniques with personalized care to treat cavities effectively while keeping you comfortable. Our approach focuses on understanding your unique oral health needs and using high-quality materials that blend naturally with your existing teeth. Whether you need a single filling or want to replace older metal restorations, we take time to explain your options and deliver results that last.
Cavities form when bacteria produce acids from the foods you eat, breaking down tooth enamel over time. Left untreated, this decay penetrates deeper into the tooth, potentially extending into the nerve and causing significant pain or infection. Dental cavities affect more than 90% of adults aged 20 to 64, making fillings one of the most common dental procedures today.
Fillings remove the decayed area of the tooth and seal the area with a durable material. This prevents bacteria from entering the tooth structure and stops the cavity from growing larger. The procedure typically takes one appointment and provides immediate relief from sensitivity or discomfort.
At Mesa Dental, we use composite resin fillings for most restorations. These tooth-colored materials attach directly to your tooth structure, requiring less removal of healthy enamel compared to traditional metal fillings. The composite material comes in an array of shades, allowing us to color-match your natural tooth precisely.
The materials used in your fillings can impact your overall health? Mesa Dental offers biocompatible fillings tailored to your needs.
Watch for these common warning signs that you may need a filling:
Pain doesn’t always accompany cavities, particularly in the initial stages, which is why regular dental exams are essential for catching decay before it causes discomfort.
We start by numbing the affected area to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. Once the anesthesia takes effect, we remove the decayed tooth structure using precise instruments. This preparation creates a clean surface for the filling material to bond effectively.
After removing all decay, we apply a bonding agent to the prepared tooth. This adhesive creates a strong connection between your tooth and the filling material. We then place the composite resin in layers, using a specialized light to harden each layer before adding the next.
The final step involves shaping and polishing the filling to match your natural bite. We carefully check your bite alignment and make small adjustments to ensure the filled tooth feels comfortable when you chew. The entire treatment typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the cavity’s size and location.
Composite resin fillings offer several advantages beyond their natural appearance. The material bonds chemically to tooth structure, actually strengthening the remaining tooth. This bonding process requires removing less healthy tooth material compared to metal fillings, which rely on mechanical retention.
These tooth-colored fillings contain no mercury, addressing concerns some patients have about traditional amalgam fillings. The composite material expands and contracts at a rate similar to that of natural tooth enamel, reducing the risk of cracks from temperature changes.
For larger restorations where extensive tooth structure has been lost, we might recommend inlays or onlays. These custom-made restorations provide greater durability for bigger cavities while maintaining a natural appearance. They’re fabricated in a dental laboratory and require two appointments to complete.
Your new filling functions immediately, though you should wait until the numbness wears off before eating to avoid accidentally biting your cheek or tongue. Some sensitivity to temperature is normal for a few days as your tooth adjusts to the restoration.
Brush and floss around your filling just as you would your natural teeth. The composite material doesn’t decay, but the tooth structure around the filling remains vulnerable to new cavities. Good oral hygiene helps prevent decay from forming at the edges of your fillings.
Avoid chewing ice or using your teeth as tools, which can crack or chip fillings. Most composite fillings last 7 to 10 years with proper care, though factors like teeth grinding or a heavy bite may require earlier replacement.
Catching cavities early means smaller, less invasive fillings? Mesa Dental focuses on prevention-first care to protect your smile and your wallet.
Limiting sugary and acidic foods lessens the risk of cavities. Bacteria feed on sugars, producing acids that attack tooth enamel. When you do consume these foods, brush within 30 minutes or rinse your mouth with water to minimize acid exposure.
Consistent oral hygiene has the greatest impact on cavity prevention. Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, focusing on the gum line where plaque accumulates. Floss once daily to remove food particles and bacteria from between teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach.
Regular dental cleanings remove hardened plaque that brushing misses. Professional cleanings every six months help us monitor your oral health and address minor concerns before they require extensive treatment. These preventive dental visits save you time and money compared to treating advanced decay.
The materials and techniques we use affect how long your filling lasts and how natural it looks. We select high-quality composite materials proven to withstand chewing forces while maintaining their color over time. Our precise placement technique ensures proper bonding and minimal sensitivity after treatment.
We also focus on preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible. Conservative cavity preparation maintains tooth strength while thoroughly removing all decay. This approach, combined with modern adhesive technology, creates restorations integrated with your natural teeth rather than simply plugged into a hole.
Our mission extends beyond the technical aspects of filling placement. We take time to explain your treatment options, discuss the benefits of SMART (Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique) on existing metal fillings, answer your questions, and ensure you feel comfortable throughout the procedure. Building a relationship centered on trust and communication helps you maintain optimal oral health for life.
Don’t let tooth decay compromise your oral health. Early treatment prevents cavities from growing larger and requiring more extensive procedures. Our team provides comfortable, efficient care using the newest materials and techniques to restore your teeth’s health and appearance.
At Mesa Dental, we understand dental visits can feel overwhelming, which is why we prioritize your comfort and clear communication at every step. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and experience dentistry focused on your long-term wellness.
