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Call for an Appointment: (503) 396-4750
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Pediatric Office Open in St. Helens, OR
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Dr. William Moore
500 North Columbia Rver Hwy, Suite 505
St. Helens, OR, 97051
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Fillings


A young girl with a big smile holding a big toothbrushDental caries, commonly referred to as tooth decay, is caused by the buildup of plaque, the thin biofilm that constantly forms on and around the teeth. Plaque contains harmful bacteria that feed off simple carbohydrates like sugar. As they feed, these bacteria produce acids that attack the enamel, which results in tooth decay.

If we diagnoses your child with early childhood tooth decay, the next step is developing an appropriate treatment plan. Cavities in the primary (baby) teeth are usually treated with dental fillings. Extensive decay may require a more advanced restoration.

Filling Materials


There are several types of filling materials, some of which include:
•  Composite resin. Composite resin is a soft mixture of glass or quartz filler that is color matched to the existing shade of your enamel. For this reason, composite fillings are ideal for cavities that are visible when you smile. The material also provides good durability and can be used for anterior (front) and posterior (back) teeth. Due to its aesthetic and functional value, composite is the most popular choice for dental fillings.
•  Amalgam fillings. Amalgam, or silver fillings, have been used in dentistry for over 150 years. Because they are made from metal, amalgam fillings are extremely resistant to wear and relatively inexpensive. We may recommend amalgam for a large cavity in a posterior tooth due to its durability. However, amalgam fillings have fallen out of favor due to their indiscrete color.
•  Gold Fillings. Gold fillings are fabricated in a laboratory and then later cemented into place. Also known as inlays, gold fillings have unmatched durability, lasting well over 20 years. Inlays can also be made from porcelain, which is better for cosmetic reasons.

Composite Filling Procedure


We begin the composite filling procedure by using a local anesthetic to numb the area. Next, Dr. William Moore will remove any decayed tooth material and clean out the cavity with a special solution. The surface of the cavity will then be etched and conditioned to create a stronger bond between the composite and the enamel.

Once the tooth is properly prepared, we mix the composite ingredients and place them directly into the cavity. We use a color shade to pick the color of composite that best matches your tooth. After the composite is in place, we use an ultraviolet curing light to harden the material and expedite the bonding process. We then trim any excess material and polish the composite until it matches the sheen of your enamel.


After Your Child Receives a Dental Filling


Dental fillings are easy to care for and maintain. Be sure to follow good oral hygiene practices, and schedule checkups and cleanings at regular intervals. Brushing with ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste can help protect the tooth from further decay. Flossing once a day can also drastically improve your oral health.

Sensitivity issues are normal during the first few days with a new filling. If this issue persists or worsens over time, be sure to schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible. We may need to repair or replace the filling.

Schedule an Appointment


If you would like to learn more about dental fillings, call (503) 396-4750, and schedule an appointment now!
Appointment Hours
Mon,Wed: 9 - 4:30
Tues,Thurs: 8 - 2
Friday: Closed
Office Hours
Mon
Tues:
Wed:
Thurs:
Fri-Sun:
8 - 4
8 - 4
8 - 4
7 - 2
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Dental Fillings St. Helens OR | St. Helens Pediatric Dentistry
Curious about Dental Fillings? Visit our website to learn how Dental Fillings from St. Helens Pediatric Dentistry can help improve your child's smile and oral health. Servicing St. Helens OR and surrounding areas.
St. Helens Pediatric Dentistry, 500 N Columbia River Hwy, Suite 505, St Helens, OR 97051 ~ (503) 396-4750 ~ sthelenspediatricdentistry.com ~ 2/9/2025 ~ Tags: Pediatric Dentist St Helens OR ~