The benefits of tooth-colored fillings with Woodinville, WA dental provider

Patients of the Kirkland, WA area who have been diagnosed with a cavity, or tooth decay, will need to work with their dentist to obtain a quality restoration such as a dental filling. Woodinville, WA patients can visit the practice of Kingsgate Dental to request tooth-colored fillings as an aesthetic and functional treatment for their smiles.

When do I need a filling?

Cavities are tooth decay that impacts the natural tooth enamel. Though tooth enamel is the strongest element in the human body, it can still be damaged by tooth decay. Tooth decay occurs when acids and sugars eat away at the enamel and cause holes within a tooth. These holes can become large and extremely damaging to the natural tooth. In some cases, if patients do not seek diagnosis and treatment in the earliest stages, the cavity can become extremely deep and impact the dental pulp inside of the tooth. This causes a severe toothache and requires patients to undergo expensive and invasive procedures such as root canal therapy to save their tooth. Instead, patients with cavities can obtain tooth-colored dental fillings which fill the hole left behind and prevent the spread of cavities.

What happens during the placement of a filling?

First, Dr. Ann Kelley of Kingsgate Dental will remove the decayed portion of the tooth. Then, the hole left behind is disinfected to ensure no bacteria remains. After this, the tooth is filled with a material called composite resin, which matches natural tooth enamel in color and appearance. The resin is placed into the tooth, hardened using a special curing light, and then polished to complete the process. It is practically impossible to notice the filling when compared to the other teeth, ensuring an aesthetic result.

What are the benefits of tooth-colored fillings?

Tooth-colored dental fillings with composite resin bonding are:

• Economical
• Effective
• Natural-looking
• Safe

What happens if I have a very large cavity?

If a cavity has occurred to the point that it has reached the dental pulp within the tooth, it may require patients to have root canal therapy performed to remove the pulp and protect the tooth from requiring extraction. Additionally, large cavities will affect the structural integrity of the tooth. The filling alone may leave the tooth weak and susceptible to damage. In cases such as this, Dr. Ann Kelley will often fabricate and place a dental crown to be bonded over the natural tooth. This covers the tooth and offers an extra layer of strength and protection. This may also be done after root canal therapy has been performed, as it can ensure the tooth doesn’t break or become more damaged with general use.

Call Dr. Ann Kelley of Kingsgate Dental today

Kirkland, WA patients who are in need of aesthetic dental fillings can contact our practice to obtain the care they require to maintain a healthy smile. Contact the office at (425) 385-0080 to request a consultation at 12308 NE 144th Street. We are always open to new patients and families in our modern, professional practice.

Ann Kelley, DDS

Dr. Ann Kelley, DDS, brings 20 years of dedicated dental practice to the Bellevue/Redmond area. A graduate of Creighton University School of Dentistry, she is a member of the American Dental Association (ADA). Dr. Kelley is known for her commitment to patient comfort and trust, ensuring each visit is met with personalized care. Her commitment is evident as she skillfully alleviates patient anxiety, creating a relaxed environment for optimal treatment. Dr. Kelley’s extensive experience and patient-centered approach make her a trusted choice for high-quality dental care.