Do not stop contacting Alpine Family Dental in Kalispell, Montana, if you are concerned about any changes to a tooth. Failure to promptly treat a damaged tooth can cause the underlying problem to worsen or escalate into a major, costly, and traumatic issue. It does not have to be this way. A composite dental filling, for instance, presents a comparatively conservative alternative to complications associated with untreated decay. These complications include permanent and irreparable damage to the tooth, which can ultimately result in its extraction or removal, and the need for a dental bridge or implant-supported crown or bridge to replace it.
Do I need to have a filling?
It depends on the extent of damage to your tooth! Early signs of enamel erosion and decay can be resolved without treatment. For instance, we may recommend fluoride therapy to build up the minerals in the teeth, strengthening their structure. We can also advise on modifications to your hygiene (brushing and flossing technique) and may recommend or prescribe antibacterial rinses to stop the progression of the disease. If the decay process has resulted in lost tooth structure or a cavity or hole where tissue used to be, a filing may be needed. The filling material replaces the lost tooth structure and restores its appearance, strength, and health.
Can all cavities be treated this way?
Not all cavities are good candidates for fillings. The filling material must adhere to adequate remaining tooth structure, or else the tooth will continue to be vulnerable to damage. So, this type of restoration is most appropriate for smaller cavities. Our dentists are happy to discuss treatment alternatives for those with larger cavities and more extensive decay.
What are some alternatives?
A dental crown may be appropriate to adequately strengthen and sustain the tooth’s health and function. Instead of “filling in” the cavity, the crown fits on top of the natural, healthy tooth structure. For more advanced decay, root canal therapy may precede crown placement. When a tooth can’t be preserved or fails to heal properly, our dentists discuss options to replace it properly (like bridges or implants).
What is “composite”?
Dental composite is a resin material. It is formulated to replicate the properties of natural tooth material. We can prepare it. So, the color and other features of the composite blend well with the surrounding tooth and the neighboring teeth in the smile. It is both cosmetic and conservative (tooth-preserving). Our doctors apply the resin in layers directly to the tooth. This approach helps to ensure that only the damaged areas of the tooth are removed. Otherwise, healthy tissue is left intact and is not drilled out to “prepare” the tooth. The composite is hardened with a special light as each layer is applied. The tooth is precisely contoured and refined throughout the process before the filling is fully secured and polished to a dazzling luster and sheen.