Some people dread the idea of the dentist using a drill. But, there are situations where a basic filling can help you avoid bigger dental treatments in the future. The best thing that you can do is schedule an exam with an experienced dentist. You will have the opportunity to discuss the situation and choose the right treatment to match your needs.
The most common reason a dental filling is needed is when a portion of the tooth has been damaged by decay. This decay will spread through the tooth if it is left untreated. To stop the progress, a dentist can use a drill to remove the decay. Then, there is a space left open in the tooth that needs to be repaired. A dental filling is placed in the space to restore the function and appearance of the tooth.
There are also times when a tooth filling might be required due to a crack or break in the tooth. If an accident happens, then an immediate filling is needed to prevent additional damage to the tooth.