WEBVTT

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If your tooth has a cavity or
has suffered minor chipping,

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your dentist may
recommend a restoration

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called a dental filling.

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Cavities are, as
their name implies,

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holes in the tooth structure
that result from decay.

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Caused by bacteria
in plaque, decay

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eats away at the tooth enamel.

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If allowed to
progress untreated,

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decay can eventually work its
way through the inner dentin

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to the root canal and nerve
of the tooth, which can lead

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to serious tooth infection.

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To prevent this and to
restore your tooth’s health,

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a filling is placed
in your tooth.

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Dental fillings can also be used
to replace old, worn fillings

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or to repair a chipped tooth.

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If your dentist
recommends a filling,

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it is important to have
the restoration placed

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before the decay and
damage progress further

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and result in a more painful
and expensive dental problem.

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The process for
placing a filling

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typically requires only
one visit to the dentist.

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In most cases, your dentist
will use a local anesthetic

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to numb the area and ensure
that your experience is

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as comfortable as possible.

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Your dentist will then remove
the decayed and damaged portion

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of your tooth using a handpiece.

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The tooth is then
thoroughly cleaned

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to remove all traces of decay.

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After adding a bonding
solution, the tooth

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is filled with the
material of choice, which

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is called composite resin.

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Created from plastic
and glass particles,

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composite can be matched
to your natural tooth color

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for an aesthetic result.
Composite fillings have become

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a popular choice for
dental restorations

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because they are natural looking
and provide a strong bond

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on the tooth.

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After the composite material
is placed and sculpted to fit

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the tooth’s shape, your dentist
uses a special high-intensity

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blue light to
harden the filling.

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Once the composite is
hardened, your dentist

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will check that the filling
properly fits your tooth

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and matches your bite.

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Any needed adjustments
are then made

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to ensure that your restoration
is comfortable and effective.

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Following your
filling appointment,

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some discomfort is normal.

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You may take over-the-counter
pain medication

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to alleviate any discomfort.

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If the discomfort
persists or is severe,

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please contact your dentist.

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The longevity of your
composite filling

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is largely based on your oral
hygiene habits and your diet.

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Be sure to brush and floss
daily to keep your teeth healthy

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and your filling
in good condition.

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Your composite filling may
discolor or break over time, so

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be sure to contact your dentist
if you experience any problems

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with your restoration.

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Please contact
your dentist today

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to learn more about the
benefits of composite fillings.

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