Fillings

Dr. Carol Halloran may recommend a dental filling in Waterloo, Iowa, to treat a cavity. Our dentist will remove the decayed portion of a tooth and then fill in the area. Fillings are also used to repair teeth that are chipped, cracked, broken, or worn down.

When filling a tooth, our dentist will first remove the decayed area of the tooth using a laser, drill, or abrasion instrument. Then, she will examine the area to ensure that all of the decay has been removed. The area will then be cleaned of bacteria and debris. The hole left by the removed will be filled with the filling material. With tooth-colored materials, the filling is applied in layers and a special light is used to cure each layer as it is applied. Any excess material is trimmed off and the final result is polished.

Three main types of dental filling materials are available: cast gold, amalgams, and composites. Gold fillings are very durable, usually lasting 10 to 15 years or more. The material does not corrode and can withstand chewing forces. Some patients think gold is more pleasing to the eye than amalgam fillings. Amalgams, or silver fillings, are also very durable, lasting 10 to 15 years. They can withstand chewing forces and are less expensive than composite fillings. Composites, or tooth-colored fillings, are made to match the color of your existing teeth. This material is chemically bonded to the tooth, which provides further support. Composite fillings are versatile and can also be used to repair chipped, broken, or worn teeth.

Call Crossroads Dental today with any questions and to schedule an appointment.