Cavities can lead to sensitivity and pain in your teeth, and, if they’re not taken care of, you can lose your tooth. Thankfully, that won’t happen under the care of Navdeep Aulakh, DDS, at Friendly Smiles Dental Care in Burke, Herndon, and Manassas, Virginia, who also caters to the surrounding areas of Lorton, Springfield, and Annandale, Virginia. She can use dental fillings made of a variety of materials to fix any cavities. Call or book an appointment online today.

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What is a tooth filling?

A tooth filling is a great way to restore damaged or decaying teeth. Fillings can bring teeth back to their normal shape and function without the need for more complicated treatments, like a root canal procedure or a tooth extraction. In addition, tooth fillings can be a cosmetic way to change the shape, size, or color of your teeth and enhance your smile.

Dr. Aulakh offers different materials to construct your fillings, such as:

Porcelain/composite fillings

This filling is barely noticeable because it’s the same color as your tooth. In addition, it tends to last for 5-10 years.

Dental amalgam

This filling can last from 10-15 years because it’s strong, durable, and contains a bacteria-fighting agent that prevents harmful bacteria from reproducing.

Gold filling:

Gold fillings are durable and have the longest lifespan: They can last between 15-30 years.

Since all these fillings have a different lifespan, Dr. Aulakh recommends coming in for a consultation so she can better understand your needs and wants.

What happens when I get a tooth filled?

Dr. Aulakh uses a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.

Following this, she uses a laser or drill to remove the decayed area. Once all the debris is taken out, Dr. Aulakh fills in the tooth with your choice of filling, allowing your tooth to regain its structural stability.

How can I tell if I have a cavity?

Cavities are the most common reason you would need a filling. Cavities can be hard to spot until the decayed area becomes large enough to view.

Even though it’s tough to spot a cavity right away, there are multiple symptoms to watch out for, including:

  • Dark spots
  • Tooth pain
  • Bad breath
  • Bad taste in your mouth
  • Tooth sensitivity

In order to make sure your cavity is caught early, it’s important to keep up-to-date with routine dental checkups. Dr. Aulakh can spot even the smallest abnormality during an oral exam or by viewing X-rays.

If you need to have a tooth filled, call Friendly Smiles Dental Care today or schedule an appointment online.

We offer teeth whitening, dental implants, and treatment for veneers and are located in Herndon, VA. Call us to book your appointment today.