To treat a cavity we will remove the decayed portion of the tooth and then "fill" the area on the tooth where the decayed material once lived.

First, the dentist will numb the area around the tooth to be filled with a local anesthetic. Next, a drill or laser will be used to remove the decayed area. Then we will test the area to confirm all the decay has been removed.

If the decay is deep we may use a liner to protect the nerve. Next a tooth-colored material is applied in layers. When the multi-layering process is completed, we will shape the composite material to the desired result, trim off any excess material, and polish the final restoration. In the past dentists used silver fillings, know as amalgam. Amalgam consists of mercury mixed with silver, tin, zinc, and copper. We do not use Amalgam because it may require more tooth removal, creates discoloration in surrounding teeth, may crack due to temperate changes and a small percent of people are allergic to the material.

We use tooth colored composite material because it requires less natural tooth structure to be removed, last much longer than Amalgam, is extremely durable and looks beautiful.