Dental Fillings in Gambrills, MD

Tooth decay develops as acids produced by bacteria repeatedly attack tooth enamel.

During its earliest stages, mineral loss may sometimes be stopped or reversed. Once enough enamel has broken down to form a cavity, however, the missing tooth structure does not grow back. The damaged area generally needs to be restored.

Leaving a cavity untreated gives decay an opportunity to move farther into the tooth. That can eventually lead to greater sensitivity, pain, infection, or the need for more involved treatment.

At The Haven, the process begins with determining what is actually happening. An examination may include digital imaging when needed. Dr. Bastien then reviews the findings with you and explains why treatment is or is not being recommended.

There is room to ask questions before making a decision.

First, Dr. Bastien evaluates the tooth to confirm that a filling is an appropriate restoration.

If it is, the decayed tooth structure is removed and the area is prepared for the composite material. The tooth-colored material is then placed and shaped to rebuild the portion of the tooth that was lost.

Composite restorations rely on bonding to the tooth, so careful placement and moisture control are important during treatment.

Once the filling is complete, Dr. Bastien checks the restoration and your bite.

The result should restore the damaged area while maintaining a natural-looking appearance.

This usually comes down to how much healthy tooth structure remains.

A filling repairs a specific area affected by decay while preserving the rest of the tooth. When enough healthy structure remains, a filling may be all that is needed.

A dental crown covers more of the tooth and may be recommended when decay, a fracture, or a large existing restoration has left the tooth significantly weakened.

An older filling does not automatically mean you need a crown either.

Sometimes an aging or damaged filling can simply be replaced. In other cases, there may no longer be enough healthy tooth structure for another filling to provide appropriate support.

Dr. Bastien evaluates the tooth before recommending one approach over the other.

Fillings can wear, chip, loosen, or eventually need replacement. Decay can also develop around the edges of an existing restoration.

Signs that an older filling should be checked may include:

• A filling that feels loose
• A change in the way your teeth come together
• New sensitivity around the restored tooth
• Pain when biting
• A chipped filling or tooth
• A rough or sharp area you did not notice before

The next step depends on what remains underneath and around the restoration. Some teeth can be treated with another filling. Others may need additional protection.

If something has changed, having the tooth examined is more useful than trying to judge the restoration by appearance alone.

For some patients, learning that they need a filling is not the difficult part. It is anticipating the appointment.

The Haven was designed with dental comfort in mind. Available options include noise-canceling headphones, weighted blankets, light therapy, aromatherapy, warm or cold towels, neck and lumbar pillows, beverages, and ceiling-mounted televisions. Treatment rooms also have doors for additional privacy.

You can tell the team what helps you feel more comfortable before treatment begins.

The office also uses digital radiology and other diagnostic technology to evaluate your teeth. Those tools help gather information, but they do not replace the conversation. Dr. Bastien reviews the findings with you so you understand what was found and why a particular treatment is being recommended.

Cavities can occur at any age.

The Haven provides family dental care for children, teens, adults, and seniors. Pediatric services include cavity detection and fillings, allowing families to handle preventive and restorative dental needs within the same practice as those needs change over time.

A filling repairs damage that has already occurred. Prevention focuses on reducing the chance of additional decay.

Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between your teeth, limiting frequent exposure to sugary foods and drinks, and keeping up with routine dental visits can all help.

Fluoride is particularly useful during the earliest stages of tooth decay because it can help strengthen enamel before a physical cavity has developed.

Timing matters. Early enamel changes may sometimes be managed before a filling becomes necessary. Once a cavity has formed, the damaged tooth structure generally needs to be restored.