Composite Fillings

If you are looking for a family dentist in West Linn, Oregon, Dr. Tom B. Curtis is taking new patients and can take care of all your dental needs.

Filling cavities is the most common procedure performed in a dental office. A cavity is an area of tooth decay that forms in tooth enamel when plaque and bacteria are allowed to rest in one area too long. Daily brushing and twice-yearly professional cleanings are recommended to prevent cavities from forming.

Cavities are typically found during professional cleanings or an examination for tooth pain. Once identified, cavities should be treated as soon as possible to prevent the decay from spreading into a large area.

Treatment consists of removing the decay after adequate anesthesia is given. The hole that is left after the decay is removed will then be filled with a special dental compound to seal the area and return the tooth to full function.

Fillings are available in different types of materials but the most common is a composite filling (or composite resin filling). Composite resin is a substance that is easy to color-match to the tooth for unnoticeable results.

Dr. Curtis offers composite resin fillings to his patients.