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 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. These fillings closely match the natural shade of your teeth.
We do not provide any 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 are able to place fillings that are virtually undetectable to those around you.
Reasons for Dental Fillings
According to the American Dental Association, around 175 million dental fillings are placed every year in the United States. What are some factors that lead patients to seek these fillings?
The following are just some of the most common reasons that our patients seek dental fillings at Brockley Dental:
Cavities
The most common reason that people have fillings placed is because of cavities. Cavities are tiny holes that develop in the tooth due to bacteria growth. They might form due to frequent sugar consumption.
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 do permanent damage to the tooth. To resolve a cavity and prevent further bacteria from entering the tooth, Dr. Donald B. Brockley or Dr. E. Ahono Gildersleeve will first remove the affected tissue. Then, they will place a composite filling to protect the rest of the tooth.
Dental Trauma
Direct impact to a tooth may cause chips or cracks that allow bacteria to enter the tooth. This can result in a larger opening that severely damages 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. These are some of the most common questions we get from patients interested in dental fillings:
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 be finished in 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 IV 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 by having a dental evaluation. At Brockley Dental, we will examine your teeth and let you know whether composite fillings are the best course of action for you.
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? Check out just some of the great things that set our facility apart from other practices:
Complimentary 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 the same day.
From there, you can decide whether you want to move forward 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 their own 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 that 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. 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 both cosmetic and restorative dentistry. Your complete treatment plan may consist of numerous procedures to help you achieve a total smile transformation.
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 a variety of dental services, including fillings and crowns. Call us now to find out more.