Dental Fillings

High Quality Cavity Fillings Without the Big City Prices at Smiles on Little Mack

Imagine biting into your favorite foods at Gino’s Surf Lounge without a twinge, smiling confidently at the St. Clair Shores Public Library, and knowing your teeth are strong and healthy. When tooth decay or minor damage strikes, dental fillings offer a reliable solution to restore your smile’s function and beauty. At Smiles on Little Mack, home of the best dentist in Saint Clair Shores, MI, Dr. Whittaker and our dedicated team are committed to providing gentle and effective filling treatments.

Whether you’re a long-time resident of Saint Clair Shores or visiting us from nearby Harper Woods, Eastpointe, and Roseville, we welcome you to refresh your smile with Dr. Whittaker! Contact Smiles on Little Mack today at (586) 285-5758.

What Are Cavities?

Cavities, also known as tooth decay or dental caries, are holes or structural damage in your teeth caused by the breakdown of the hard outer surface (enamel). This erosion is a result of acids produced by bacteria in your mouth.

These bacteria thrive on sugars and starches left on your teeth after eating and drinking. When these bacteria aren’t removed through proper brushing and flossing, they form a sticky film called plaque. Eventually, dental restorations like dental crowns or fillings may be necessary to protect the tooth from further damage or even tooth extraction.

Why Choose Smiles on Little Mack for Cavity Treatment Near You?

Searching for a gentle dental filling procedure close to home? Look no further than Smiles on Little Mack, conveniently situated in Saint Clair Shores, MI. Located on Little Mack Avenue, we’re easily accessible for residents throughout Saint Clair Shores and nearby areas. You can say goodbye to lengthy drives to Detroit for quality dental care.

At Smiles on Little Mack, you’ll find a welcoming environment where your comfort is paramount, combined with the advanced techniques necessary for effective tooth fillings. We utilize modern materials like durable and natural-looking composite fillings to restore your teeth seamlessly. Call our dentist near you today at (586) 285-5758 and let us help you maintain a healthy, happy smile right here in your local community.

What Are Dental Fillings?

Dental fillings repair teeth damaged by cavities or minor fractures. At Smiles on Little Mack, Dr. Whittaker carefully removes the decayed portion of the tooth and then fills the cleaned-out space with a restorative material. If the decay is near the root, a liner may be placed to protect the nerve before the filling is applied. This process seals the tooth, preventing further decay and protecting the natural tooth structure.

Types of Dental Filling Material

Dr. Whittaker offers several types of dental filling materials at our Saint Clair Shores dental office, each with unique advantages:

• Composite (Tooth-Colored) Fillings: Made from a resin material mixed with fine glass particles, tooth colored composite resin is popular for its ability to match the natural shade of your teeth, making them less noticeable. You can also have amalgam fillings removed for a newly filled tooth with composite material.
• Amalgam (Silver) Fillings: A durable and cost-effective option, amalgam fillings are a mixture of metals, including silver, tin, copper, and mercury. Amalgam is known for its strength and longevity, often lasting significantly longer than composite resin fillings.
• Glass Ionomer Fillings: These tooth-colored fillings are made from glass and organic acid. A key benefit is their ability to release fluoride, which can help protect the tooth from further decay.
• Porcelain or Ceramic Fillings: These fillings are tooth-colored and highly resistant to staining. Porcelain fillings offer a good aesthetic result and durability, often lasting many years.
• Gold Fillings: While less common today due to their cost and appearance, gold fillings are very durable and resistant to corrosion. They are custom-made and cemented into place.

Benefits of Dental Fillings

Choosing to get a dental filling at Smiles on Little Mack offers several significant benefits for your oral health and quality of life:

• Stops Tooth Decay: By removing the decayed portion of the tooth and sealing the area with a filling, the progression of the cavity is halted, preventing further damage and potential infection.
• Restores Tooth Function: Fillings allow you to chew and bite comfortably again by restoring the tooth’s original shape and surface.
• Reduces Sensitivity: Filling a cavity seals the exposed inner layers of the tooth, which can be sensitive to temperature changes and sweet foods.
• Strengthens Weakened Teeth: A filling can help to reinforce a tooth that has been weakened by decay, preventing it from fracturing.
• Maintains Proper Bite: By restoring the tooth’s proper shape, fillings help maintain the correct alignment of your teeth, ensuring a comfortable and functional bite.

To learn more with our skilled dentist near Grosse Pointe, call (586) 285-5758.

What Else Can Dental Fillings Fix?

While the primary use of dental fillings at Smiles on Little Mack is to repair cavities caused by decay, these versatile restorations can also address other minor dental issues:

• Repairing Minor Fractures or Chips: Small cracks or chips in your teeth, often caused by minor trauma, can be smoothed and filled to prevent further damage and restore the tooth’s integrity.
• Replacing Worn-Down Tooth Structure: Habits like teeth grinding (bruxism) or certain dietary factors can cause teeth to wear down over time. Fillings can help rebuild the lost tooth structure, restoring proper bite and preventing sensitivity.
• Cosmetic Improvements: In some cases, small fillings can be used to improve the appearance of a tooth by filling in small gaps or correcting minor irregularities in shape.

The Dental Filling Process

Getting a dental filling at our Saint Clair Shores dental office is a typically efficient and comfortable procedure:

1. Numbing the Area: Dr. Whittaker will first administer a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding gums, ensuring you feel minimal to no discomfort during the procedure.
2. Removing Decay: Using specialized dental instruments, the decayed portion of the tooth is carefully and thoroughly removed.
3. Cleaning the Area: Once the decay is removed, the area is cleaned and prepared to receive the filling material, ensuring a strong bond.
4. Placing the Filling: The chosen filling material (composite, amalgam, glass ionomer, etc.) is placed into the prepared space. For tooth-colored composite fillings, the material is often applied in layers and hardened with a special light.
5. Shaping and Polishing: Dr. Whittaker will shape the filling to match the natural contours of your tooth and then polish it to a smooth finish, ensuring a comfortable bite.
6. Bite Check: Finally, your bite will be checked to ensure your teeth come together properly without interference from the new filling.

Caring for Dental Fillings

Proper care of your dental fillings will help them last for many years and contribute to your continued oral health:

• Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene: Continue to brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily, paying particular attention to the areas around your fillings to prevent new decay.
• Be Mindful of What You Eat: Avoid chewing on excessively hard or sticky foods that could potentially damage or dislodge your fillings.
• Avoid Grinding or Clenching: If you grind or clench your teeth, discuss a nightguard with Dr. Whittaker to protect your fillings from excessive force.
• Schedule Regular Dental Checkups: Regular visits to Smiles on Little Mack allow Dr. Whittaker to monitor the condition of your fillings and address any potential issues early.
• Report Any Changes: If you notice any sensitivity, pain, or changes in how your filling feels, contact our Saint Clair Shores dental office promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are tooth-colored fillings as strong as silver fillings?

Modern composite (tooth-colored) fillings are quite durable and can be used effectively in most areas of the mouth. For large fillings in back teeth that undergo heavy chewing forces, silver amalgam fillings may still be recommended in some cases due to their long-term strength. The FDA considers dental amalgam safe for adults and children ages 6 and above, providing a reliable option for restorative care.

Will my filling be noticeable?

Dr. Whittaker takes great care to match the shade of composite (tooth-colored) fillings to your natural teeth, making them virtually unnoticeable. Amalgam (silver) fillings will have a metallic appearance. The location of the filling will also influence its visibility.

How long will my dental filling last?

The lifespan of a dental filling depends on several factors, including the type of material used, the size and location of the filling, and your oral hygiene habits. With proper care, fillings can last for many years. Regular checkups help your dentist monitor the condition of your fillings and identify any signs of deterioration or weaknesses over time.