Contact Us (410) 956-5555

3102 Davidsonville Rd. Davidsonville, MD 21035

Dental Fillings Davidsonville , MD

Drs. Wooddell and Passaro look for the early signs of tooth decay during routine dental care visits, monitoring or treating as needed to keep your teeth healthy and stable. We also look for any signs of wear or damage, often the indication of an underlying bite problem or teeth grinding. In many cases, a dental filling is the solution for your concern and can restore oral health.

Dental fillings can address both restorative and cosmetic related dental health needs and play a key role in the long term maintenance of your oral health and function. Drs. Wooddell and Passaro work with patients to ensure that a dental filling provides results that are structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing. Using a high quality composite resin material, a range of dental concerns can be treated with a dental filling:

  • Cracked teeth
  • Chipped teeth
  • Decayed teeth, tooth cavities
  • Discoloration in a tooth

There are two main types of dental fillings and the best choice will depend upon the location and size of the area to be treated. A thorough exam and the use of digital diagnostics will help to create a personal treatment plan for restoring oral health as quickly and effectively as possible.

In most cases, the use of a composite material is recommended for the best aesthetics and a lasting result.

  • Amalgam filling: the traditional dental filling material, amalgam is a mix of metals in a silver-colored compound that is highly durable and pliable. However, the use of this material often requires a significant portion of natural tooth structure to be removed for a snug and lasting fit.

    Over time, amalgam fillings can be prone to break down and leak, sometimes posing a health risk for those who may react to the mercury they contain.

  • Composite resin fillings: also known as a “white filling”, composite resin is a mixture of glass and plastic held together by resin. This type of filling provides a secure, snug fit that seals the tooth very effectively. The material is matched to your natural smile and can be sculpted to the tooth with minimal removal of existing tooth structure.
  • The dental filling process is completed during a single visit to our office. The first step is to ensure that you are relaxed and comfortable, using a local anesthetic to numb the area to be treated.

    The tooth will be prepared by removing any decayed or infected areas and a minimal amount of tooth structure to accommodate the filling material. Your dentist will sculpt the composite resin or amalgam into place and work with you to adjust the fit for a comfortable bite. Once complete, the material will be permanently secured with a special light and then polished for a smooth texture and natural appearance.