Repairing Cavities Without the Silver
Decay starts small, as a soft spot in the enamel. Left alone, it works deeper into the tooth and gets harder and more expensive to fix. A filling stops it while the damage is still limited.
Preserving natural tooth structure is the most important thing I do.Dr. Monika Kaceli
A filling is where that idea is easiest to see. Dr. Kaceli removes the decay and as little healthy tooth as possible, then rebuilds the tooth with a material that blends in.
How Composite Fillings Work
Composite resin is a tooth-colored material that is placed in layers and set with a curing light. Dr. Kaceli picks a shade to match your tooth, so once the filling is polished, most people won't notice it.
Composite is also used for dental bonding to repair chips and small cracks. For a child or adult with deep grooves in the back teeth, dental sealants can help keep cavities from starting.
Who Might Need a Filling?
Dr. Kaceli may recommend a filling for:
- A new cavity found at a checkup or on X-rays
- A small chip or crack in a tooth
- An old filling that is leaking, worn down or broken
- Old silver fillings you would like to replace for appearance
If a cavity has grown too large, a crown may protect the tooth better. Dr. Kaceli will tell you which one your tooth needs.
Your Same-Day Filling Appointment
- Getting comfortableDr. Kaceli numbs the area. Sedation is available if dental visits make you anxious.
- Removing the decayShe removes the decayed part of the tooth.
- DisinfectingThe area is cleaned and disinfected to prepare it for the filling.
- Filling and curingComposite resin goes in and is hardened with a curing light.
- Shaping and polishingDr. Kaceli shapes the filling to your bite and polishes it smooth.
You can watch something on the flat-screen TV in your treatment room while you wait for the numbing to take effect.
Swapping Out Old Silver Fillings
Many patients choose to replace their old silver fillings, either because they would rather have teeth that all look the same color or because the fillings have worn out. Dr. Kaceli will check each one and give you her advice. Some can wait, and some are worth replacing sooner.
If you have several to replace, she can plan them over a few visits so each appointment stays short. Replacing worn fillings before they crack can also help you avoid a larger repair later.
Why Choose Kaceli Dental Studio in Norwood?
Our Norwood office is open the third Saturday of each month, so a filling doesn't have to mean missing work or school. Call (781) 762-6688 to find a time.
We see patients from Norwood, Westwood, Dover and Needham. If dental work makes you nervous, tell us when you book. Dr. Kaceli is known for a calm, gentle approach, and sedation is an option. Read about Dr. Kaceli and how she works.
