Dental Fillings in Butler, PA

Do you have painful cavities and bacterial buildup in one or more teeth? You may be in need of dental fillings to maintain your oral health. Dental fillings are used to fill cavities or openings in the teeth, preventing larger concerns from developing.

At Brockley Dental Center in Butler, PA, we offer dental fillings to patients throughout the Greater Pittsburgh area. 

What Are Dental Fillings?

Dental fillings are materials used to restore the function and integrity of a tooth. A dental filling occupies the open space created by a cavity or a crack in the tooth. 

A cavity is a tiny opening in the tooth that allows bacteria to enter. If holes or cracks are not protected with a filling, they can lead to infection and permanent damage to your oral health.

At Brockley Dental, we use white composite fillings, which closely match the natural shade of your teeth. 

We do not provide amalgam fillings in our office. Amalgam fillings are metal fillings that are typically silver and stand out from your teeth. By using only white composite, we can place fillings that are virtually undetectable to those around you.

Reasons for Dental Fillings

According to one study, approximately 3.9 billion people worldwide suffer from dental caries, which lead to tooth decay and cavities, which require dental fillings to close. What are some factors that lead patients to seek these fillings? 

Cavities

The most common reason people have fillings placed is cavities. Cavities are tiny holes that develop in the tooth due to bacteria growth. They often form due to frequent sugar consumption and inconsistent dental hygiene. 

When you have the following foods or drinks too often, you are at an increased risk of developing cavities throughout your mouth:

• Candy
• Jams and jellies
• Soft drinks
• Sweetened juices
• Sweet tea
• Cakes
• Muffins
• Cookies
• Sugary breakfast cereals

If they are not treated, cavities can grow in size and permanently damage the tooth. To resolve a cavity and prevent further bacteria from entering the tooth, Dr. Donald B. Brockley, Dr. E. Ahono Gildersleeve, or Dr. Carmin Gonzalez will first remove the affected tissue. Then, they will place a composite filling to protect the rest of the tooth.

Dental Trauma

Direct damage to a tooth may cause chips or cracks that allow bacteria to enter. This can result in a larger opening that severely compromises the tooth and leads to widespread infection. A composite filling will cover these openings in the tooth and prevent further issues.

Replacement Fillings

Patients who have had amalgam fillings in the past may want to replace those fillings with white composite so that they are no longer prominent or visible in their smile. Fillings may also need replacement if they break loose or become dislodged from the tooth.

It is worth noting that replacement fillings are not possible for every patient. Removing a previous filling and placing a new one is not always the best option for a patient’s oral health. You will need a thorough evaluation to determine whether your previous amalgam filling can be replaced with a composite filling.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Fillings

If you’ve never had a dental filling before, you may have some questions or concerns about the treatment. Some of the most common questions we get from patients interested in dental fillings are:

Do Dental Fillings Require Multiple Appointments?

After your initial consultation appointment, your dental fillings can be completed in one same-day treatment. Depending on how many fillings you need, your procedure can take as little as 20 minutes to one hour.

Will I Be Sedated for Treatment?

Dental fillings are often placed with just local anesthesia, but we can provide sedation for those who need it. We understand that dental treatments are stressful for many patients, which is why we offer a variety of sedation options, including nitrous oxide and conscious oral sedation.

Are Dental Fillings Permanent?

Our white composite fillings are durable and made to last. When your teeth are well maintained, your fillings can last for several decades. To increase the longevity of your new fillings, we suggest practicing great dental care. This includes brushing and flossing twice daily and rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash.

How Do I Know If I Need a Filling?

If you have painful cavities in one or more teeth, you most likely need dental fillings. The only way to know whether you need a filling is to have a dental evaluation. At Brockley Dental, we will examine your teeth and let you know whether composite fillings are the best course of action.

Choosing Brockley Dental for Your Dental Fillings

With millions of fillings placed every year, many dental clinics perform this treatment. Why should you choose Brockley Dental for your dental care? Some of the great things that set our facility apart from other practices are:

Transparent Consultation

Most patients find it difficult to pay for dental treatment, especially if they don’t know what to expect. Brockley Dental aims to ease your financial worries by offering affordable and transparent consultations. You can have your dental needs assessed and receive a customized treatment plan on the same day. 

From there, you can decide whether to proceed with treatment before paying a dime. Once you schedule your treatment, you have the option of using CareCredit financing. We can also submit claims for reimbursement to your dental insurance provider, if applicable.

Personalized Treatment Plans

When it comes to dental care, everyone has unique needs. At Brockley Dental, we want to accommodate your specific needs by providing customized care. Every patient receives a personalized treatment plan that details their exact procedure, with everything they need and nothing they don’t.

Highly Trained Staff

Have you ever felt nervous or overwhelmed when having a dental procedure? This is a normal and common feeling, but it helps to know that skilled professionals are behind your treatment. 

The team at Brockley Dental is led by Dr. Brockley and Dr. Gildersleeve, a father and daughter who bring decades of combined experience to our practice, along with their good colleague Dr. Carmin Gonzalez. When you choose our facility for your care, you can rest assured knowing you are in good hands.

Selection of Services

If you have multiple oral health concerns, you may need more than just fillings. In some cases, patients require several procedures to achieve the results that they want. 

Brockley Dental provides a wide variety of dental treatments, including restorative and cosmetic dentistry. Your complete treatment plan may consist of numerous procedures to help you transform your smile.

State-of-the-Art Facility

Brockley Dental is a state-of-the-art facility that uses modern technology and innovative equipment to perform your dental treatment. Our team stays up to date on the latest approaches to dental care, so you’ll get advanced procedures that produce effective results.

Dental Fillings at Brockley Dental

Do you have cavities or damaged teeth that require fillings? Contact Brockley Dental in Butler, PA, for your dental filling consultation! Our team will work with you to design a unique treatment plan that meets your needs and restores your healthy smile. 

We work with patients throughout the Greater Pittsburgh area to provide various dental services, including fillings and crowns. Call us now to learn more and schedule your initial consultation.