Dental Fillings

If you’re like most people, you probably dread hearing the news that you have a cavity. Far from being simply unsightly, cavities can lead to increased tooth sensitivity, further tooth decay and usually will eventually result in the tooth falling out or having to be removed if not properly taken care of. So, before this happens, why not let David M. Skopp, DDS fix the problems once and for all with metal or composite resin fillings.

Why choose Dr. Skopp for your fillings?

Most of us are familiar with fillings, as they’ve long been used to seal up cavities to prevent further damage to the tooth. However, most people don’t know that the skill of the dentist has everything to do with how successful the filling was and how long it will last. For this reason, it’s recommended you choose an experienced leader in the industry to ensure the job is done right the first time. With more than fifteen years in the business, Dr. Skopp and his team will work to make sure your cavities are filled properly, allowing you to keep your natural teeth healthy and intact.

Traditional Metal vs. Composite Resin Fillings

For many years, the only type of fillings available was amalgam fillings made of metal, and while these fillings are still useful in many situations, the main problem with them is that they also show. There is simply no way to hide that metal filling in your tooth, leading many people to avoid having their cavities fixed because they are afraid of the unsightly filling.

For this reason, metal fillings are now mainly used in places that won’t be visible, and as such, Dr. Skopp can offer you an alternative to those traditional metal fillings in the form of composite resin fillings designed to perfectly match the color of your existing tooth. If you need a filling in a front tooth, or anywhere else it may be visible, you can choose to go with a composite resin filling that can be shaded to look almost exactly like your original tooth, meaning only you and Dr. Skopp will know it’s there.

In addition to being less visible, composite resin fillings also require less prep work, allowing more of the original tooth to remain, which is usually very beneficial. Best of all, with proper care and maintenance, these composite resin fillings can easily last as long as the traditional metal ones. Still, they also cost a bit more and aren’t suitable for all cases, so it’s important to discuss all of your options with your dentist before deciding which type of filling is best for you.

What is the typical procedure for dental fillings?

If Dr. Skopp determines you need a dental filling, the first step will be to numb your mouth with a local anesthetic, after which he will then begin preparing the tooth by removing any dead or decaying material with a drill and/or hand tools. From there, the doctor will then begin replacing the decayed material with either the amalgam or composite resin filling. Although the process for each differs slightly, both processes usually take no more than an hour and you’ll be ready to resume your normal eating soon after leaving the office.

Your teeth are one of the most important parts of your body and can last your lifetime with proper care and maintenance. So don’t trust your fillings to just any normal dentist, and instead give Dr. Skopp a call to make sure your teeth get the attention they need.