When do I need dental fillings?

Sometimes, despite your best oral hygiene efforts, you get a cavity. When you’re faced with a cavity, the experienced general dentists at Boles, Ham, Dixon & Boles in Goldsboro can help you protect your teeth with a dental filling.

A cavity is a hole that forms when acid dissolves part of the tooth. In order to prevent additional decay and protect the affected tooth, your general dentist may recommend a dental filling. He or she will first remove the decayed portion of the tooth and then fill the cavity with a suitable material.

In the past, receiving a dental filling meant having amalgam (metal) placed in the tooth. But better alternatives have been developed, and we’re proud to have been metal-free for over fifteen years. Nowadays, we offer white fillings, in which a composite resin is applied to the tooth and then cured using a special light, and porcelain inlays, which we custom build right here in our office.

Fillings are very effective for small areas of decay. If the decay is more widespread, then other options such as crowns or root canals may be more appropriate. Your general dentist will recommend the best option for you after a thorough oral examination.

If you have one or more cavities, there’s no need to fear the drill. Please contact Boles, Ham, Dixon & Boles or call 252-291-2892 today to schedule your next appointment with one of our experienced general dentists. We have several convenient North Carolina locations, including Goldsboro.