Fillings

While fillings are most commonly known to treat dental decay, they can also be used to repair cracked or broken teeth and teeth that have been worn down from misuse (such as nail-biting or teeth grinding).

To place a filling, Dr. Gary S. Barker will first numb the tooth and surrounding tissue to make sure you are comfortable during the procedure. Next, he will drill out the decay in the tooth and replace the drilled out portion with a special material. Most often used is a resin composite filling material but there are many different filling materials available and Dr. Gary S. Barker will determine the best one for your specific needs. After the filling material is placed, Dr. Gary S Barker will shape and polish the tooth.

Dr. Barker insures all decay is removed before placing a filling by using a special “caries detecting” material. This is important because any decay left behind can cause a new cavity to begin forming underneath the filling which can lead to a long lasting toothache as the pulp of the tooth becomes infected.

Tooth sensitivity following placement of a filling is fairly common. Your tooth may be sensitive to pressure, air or temperature. The sensitivity should resolve on its own within a few weeks. During this time, you should avoid things that are causing the sensitivity. Pain relievers are generally not required.

If you experience pain when you bite, the filling may be interfering with your bite. This is a simple fix but you must return to the office so Dr. Gary S Barker can reshape your filling. If you are experiencing a “toothache-type” pain, this may indicate the tissue is no longer healthy. This can happen if the filling was very large and/or deep and/or close to the pulp of the tooth. In this case, root canal therapy may be required.

Whether you have a cavity or simply want to replace an outdated amalgam filling with one that looks more aesthetically pleasing, Dr. Gary S Barker is here to provide you with the best treatment.