Dental Fillings in Springfield, IL
Tooth decay is one of the most common dental conditions that patients experience. By adulthood, most patients will experience at least one incident of tooth decay and require a dental filling to repair the problem.
Causes of Tooth Decay & Cavities
Food particles, especially sugary or starchy foods, make great fuel for bacteria. Bacteria create a biofilm on your teeth and gums that can cause decay or periodontal disease if not addressed promptly. As bacteria feed on food particles and reproduce, they create an acidic environment that softens the protective outer shell of your teeth, which is called enamel.
Once the enamel becomes weaker, decay can enter into the softer layers of your teeth beneath the enamel and cause cavities, infection, and even tooth loss.
Dental decay rarely causes pain in the beginning. By the time a cavity becomes painful, it can be quite severe. During routine exams and dental cleanings, our Springfield dentist uses regular dental x-rays to diagnose tooth decay before it puts your teeth at risk.
At Ruggless Dental, we use low-radiation digital x-rays on our patients. Not only do they emit up to 80% less radiation than traditional x-rays, but they also allow for greater accuracy in diagnosis because of the high-resolution images they produce. We take only the x-rays necessary to accurately monitor your health and detect any changes.
Fillings to Restore Damaged Teeth
When you have decay in your tooth, removing it is essential. Decay does not resolve on its own and generally worsens over time. Dr. Shane Ruggless, DMD will gently and completely clean all decay and bacteria from your tooth, leaving only healthy tooth structure behind. If anesthetic is necessary, he will make sure to use the appropriate amount and give it time to work before he begins.
Once the bacteria and decay are removed from your tooth, he will seal your tooth and rebuild its structure using composite filling material. Composite is tooth-colored and comes in many shades so that we can match it to your smile.
He will place the composite in layers and cure it, making it hard and durable. Once your tooth structure is rebuilt with composite, he will shape and polish it so that it is comfortable, feels smooth, and seamlessly matches your natural tooth.
Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings in Springfield, IL
Composite works by adding to your healthy tooth structure, which means that we remove only the diseased portion before restoring it. With old amalgam fillings, it was necessary to remove more of your healthy tooth structure for them to work.
The aesthetic benefits far outweigh those of amalgam fillings. Composites do not darken or scar your smile – they will be virtually invisible when you smile.
Contact Ruggless Dental to Schedule Your Next Exam
If you are due for your next exam, call (217) 787-0212 to schedule an appointment at Ruggless Dental! By maintaining regular appointments at our Springfield, IL dental office, you are taking the best step toward a healthy, beautiful smile.
To maintain your oral health, be sure to brush twice a day using the proper techniques:
Many of our patients feel overwhelmed when they stand in the toothbrush aisle at the store. So many choices are available and all of them promise to make your teeth and gums healthier. At Ruggless Dental, we recommend that you use a soft-bristled toothbrush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Light pressure is enough to remove plaque and bacteria because it is actually the tips of the toothbrush bristles that do the most cleaning. Extra pressure does not mean cleaner teeth!
Sometimes a food particle gets stuck between your teeth and causes bleeding or pain. You might feel compelled to avoid the area because it is sore. Flossing the area is important, however, because you can dislodge the food particle and give your gums a chance to heal. Within a day or two, the bleeding should subside and the pain should be gone. If it persists, 
