Tooth Decay Treatment | Patients with tooth decay benefit from dental fillings to restore the tooth and avoid tooth loss. Before a dental filling is applied, we remove the decay and clean the cavity to avoid infection. It is important to treat tooth decay as early as possible because bacteria can enter the tooth and cause further damage. Dental fillings help teeth to function normally and are available in four different materials: gold, amalgam, composite-resin, and porcelain. Each of these different materials are great but patients may prefer one over the other. Learn more below.

Dental Fillings Haverhill MA 

Gold Fillings

This dental filling is more expensive than other options but can last up to 20 years.

Amalgam Fillings

These fillings are silver and less expensive. However, some patients do not prefer them because the darken over time.

Composite-Resin Fillings

– This material is color matched to your teeth which offers a more natural look. Patients choose this material because of the discreetness. They last up 10 years but stain more easily.

Porcelain Fillings

This material is produced in a dental laboratory to custom fit the cavity. Once it is ready, it is applied as an inlay or onlay and is color matched. This material is more expensive but is more stain-resistant than composite-resin material.

Is a dental filling always recommended for tooth decay?

Some situations will require a dental crown or a root canal treatment. It depends on the severity of tooth decay. A filling that is larger than normal may need a dental crown. However, decay that has reached the tooth nerve may require a root canal treatment. Your examination will ultimately determine the best approach to preserving your tooth.

How do I treat a dental filling?

Simply continue proper dental care hygiene. Prevent damaging or chipping your filling by avoiding hard food and candy. Contact us if you notice a change to your filling. It may need repair and needs to be corrected as soon as possible to avoid infection.

Learn more about your oral health with an exam. Sometimes a patient is unaware of tooth decay until a formal examination is done. Call (978) 373-1231 or book an appointment online now.