Fillings Specialist
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Dr. Ricardo M. Gaitan, DDS and Associates
Orthodontics & General Dentistry located in Fairfax, VA & Sterling, VA
Dental fillings are the primary treatment for cavities, and they can preserve your smile for many years to come. At the offices of Ricardo M. Gaitan, DDS, in Fairfax and Sterling, Virginia, Dr. Gaitan and his team offer outstanding dental fillings using comfortable techniques and top-quality materials. Explore your options for dental fillings in more detail during a personalized consultation, which you can schedule by calling the office or booking online today.
Fillings Q&A
How do cavities develop?
Cavities are tiny pits or holes in the enamel of your teeth that can occur in people of all ages, including small children. Most Americans will develop at least one dental cavity in their lifetime.
Your teeth are constantly engaged in a battle against plaque. This sticky substance is filled with bacteria, and when it adheres to your teeth, it begins to produce acids that can destroy your tooth enamel.
Eating and drinking sugary substances gives plaque the perfect environment in which to thrive and is harmful to your teeth. You can remove most traces of plaque with good brushing and flossing habits, but it takes vigilance to protect your teeth from cavities.
What are dental fillings?
Dental fillings are composed of material that fills in cavities and protects the underlying tooth tissue from additional decay. The process of getting a filling is simple and practically pain-free.
After a comprehensive oral exam and determining which tooth requires a filling, Dr. Gaitan uses a local anesthetic to numb your mouth and keep you comfortable throughout the procedure.
Once the cavity has been cleared of damaged tissue and bacteria, the filling material is carefully placed. Dr. Gaitan uses tooth-colored fillings so that the final result will be indistinguishable from your other natural teeth.
How do I know if I need a filling?
Once tooth decay has advanced to a certain level, you might experience dental pain when chewing or increased sensitivity to heat or cold. In some cases, you can even see darkening in your tooth tissue, an indication that advanced decay is present.
The best way to check for cavities is during a professional dental exam and cleaning. This allows Dr. Gaitan and his team the opportunity to examine your teeth for early signs of decay. If you need a filling, catching a cavity early can preserve more of your natural tooth tissue, which can preserve your smile for many years to come.
If you suspect that you need a filling, call the office of Ricardo M. Gaitan, DDS, or book an appointment online today.
