Very few people, an estimated 1%, go through life without developing at least one cavity. For small to moderate cavities, a dental filling is usually the restoration of choice. Fillings are both conservative and effective. Today, Dr. Rippe and most dentists prefer to place tooth-colored fillings made of composite resin. Resin fillings work well for all teeth, look like natural enamel, and they contain no metal or mercury.

Remember, however, cavities left untreated will grow! If you have a toothache or see a cavity in your tooth, call Dr. Christian Rippe in Centennial, CO today at 303-562-1073 to schedule an exam. He will assess your tooth decay and determine what type of filling or crown is best suited for your situation

What to Expect

A filling is placed in a single visit. In fact, if Dr. Rippe finds that you need a dental filling, depending upon your schedules and the extent of the cavity, he may opt to treat your tooth the day of your exam. Some very small, topical cavities can be filled without discomfort, even when anesthetic is not used. Deeper cavities that penetrate through enamel into the soft, sensitive dentin of a tooth, can be somewhat painful. Therefore, Dr. Rippe will administer a local anesthetic so that you can remain comfortable as he places your restoration.

He will remove the dark decay on your tooth and sanitize the hole, or cavity. Then, he’ll shade-match a bit of liquid composite resin to match the enamel on your affected tooth. After filling the tooth with the resin, he will shine a curing light on the restoration to harden the resin. Once the tooth colored filling is hard, Dr. Rippe will have you close your mouth on bite paper, so he can assess how your filling and opposing teeth fit together. If adjustments are required, the doctor will sculpt the filling to a proper fit. The entire process takes only a few moments, in most cases. Multiple fillings can be placed in a single office visit.

Reduce Your Risk for Cavities

Cavities, also known as dental caries, carious lesions, or tooth decay, are the result of bacteria eating tooth structure. Our teeth are coated with durable enamel, which is the second hardest substance produced in nature. When we eat starches – sugar is a starch – enamel temporarily softens. At this point, bacteria can attack the enamel, which causes cavities.

Eating less starch, drinking fewer sugary beverages, and increasing your water intake will help deter cavity formation. Also, brush teeth in the morning and evening, and floss once a day. Fluoride, in safe doses, has an interesting ability to draw in enamel-hardening minerals. Children should drink fluoridated water when teeth are developing. When permanent teeth are fully developed, swallowed fluoride no longer helps strengthen teeth. Teens and adults can use fluoridated toothpaste and mouthwash to coat teeth with fluoride. You may also opt for fluoride treatment following your dental cleaning.

Caring for Tooth Colored Fillings

Regular home care as described above, and two dental checkups and cleanings per year, will help your teeth and fillings remain strong. Dr. Rippe will check all of your dental work at your visits, and he’ll let you know when it’s time to replace fillings. If fillings on front teeth begin to look obvious, it’s time to whiten your teeth. After whitening, the enamel should lighten to match your fillings.

We Want to See You

Schedule your examination with Dr. Rippe today! Our Centennial, CO dental office is located near DTC, and we serve patients from Englewood and Greenwood Village.