Dental fillings are used to repair minimal tooth fractures, tooth decay, or otherwise damaged surfaces of the teeth. Dental filling materials may be used to even out tooth surfaces for better biting or chewing. In many cases, individuals with enamel loss resulting in tooth sensitivity will notice a significant improvement or complete elimination of sensitivity once the appropriate dental filling material is placed. In some cases, depending on the extent of tooth decay or damage, the affected tooth may require additional or alternative procedures, including:

• Dental Crowns: For a tooth requiring more support than offered by a traditional filling, a dental crown may be required.
  
  
• Dental Implants and Dental Bridges: For irreparable tooth damage requiring tooth extraction, a dental implant or dental bridge may be the next alternative in the treatment plan.
  
  
• Root Canals: If there is an infected, abscessed or nerve damaged tooth, antibiotic treatment and/or a root canal may be performed before the tooth is restored.

The Procedure

During preventative dental hygiene checkups or dental emergency visits prompted by a toothache, Dr. Ahmadi will evaluate your teeth, gums, and supporting bone structure. He will identify the number of tooth surfaces that are affected by tooth decay or damage, and then prepare the tooth and necessary surrounding areas in order to restore the damaged area. Dr. Ahmdi will remove the decay or damaged area with a dental hand-piece or laser, cleanse the area to remove bacteria or debris and complete the restoration.

During a composite (tooth color) filling procedure the tooth is isolated. Tooth isolation is critical in a composite restoration, because it prevents moisture from interfering with the bonding process. The bonding procedure requires the placement of various adhesives followed by the composite material that is then hardened with a special bonding light or laser.