An integral part of Dr. McKinnon’s routine dental checkup, is designed to detect any areas of tooth decay on your teeth. However, if you suspect that tooth decay has set in on one of your teeth, you shouldn’t hesitate to have it examined. If tooth decay is not repaired in short order, it can spread and more serious complications could arise.
Most modest areas of tooth decay can be repaired with a basic filling made from gold, porcelain, amalgam or composite materials.
Before applying the filling, Dr. McKinnon will want to examine the area and take some X-rays. This way he will know if the decay has spread deeper into the tooth.
Then he will use a drill to remove the decayed enamel. This gives a clean healthy surface to cement a filling in place. The type of material that he will recommend for the filling will be based on the function of the tooth, the location of the filling and whether or not it appears in your smile.
Amalgam and composite fillings can be applied in the same appointment. Gold and porcelain fillings need to be prepared in a dental lab. So they will require a brief follow up appointment.
If you suspect an area of tooth decay has formed on one of your teeth, you should not delay in calling Dr. McKinnon’s office in Appleton, WI at 920-739-1181 to set up an appointment. The longer you wait to have it repaired the more likely you are to suffer serious complications.