Dental Fillings in Woodstock, VT

Going to the dentist for a filling can feel like a waste of time, but dental fillings are one of the most effective ways to protect a damaged tooth. Children tend to get cavities in their younger years until they develop solid oral hygiene habits. Still, adults are, by far, not immune to getting cavities either, and that is why so many people end up needing dental fillings. Research shows that the average adult has between 3 and 4 cavities in their lifetime. No matter how old or young you are, you may develop a cavity and need a filling.

Fillings perform several functions for a tooth with a cavity, so if you do need one, please talk with one of our dentists at Sunset Valley Dental in Woodstock, VT, first. Every cavity needs a filling; without one, bad things can happen to that tooth and your entire mouth.

What Do Fillings Do Exactly?

A filling is just there to fill in a cavity, and while that is part of what a filling does, it is not the entire purpose of a filling. A filling is used to fill the space created by a cavity so that it does not grow any larger, but also to help protect the tooth from further damage. Once a tooth starts decaying, even if the dentist cleans out the decay, it is at risk of crumbling. That is why the filling material is inserted, and then the area around the filling is sealed to prevent further decay and to keep the filling in place.

Our dentist at Sunset Valley Dental in Woodstock, VT, will fit you with a custom filling for your tooth. Different materials – composite and silver amalgam – can be used for the filling depending on the location. In some cases, you will want a stronger filling to handle the pressure from chewing, and in other cases, you may choose to get a filling that looks more like your natural tooth.