When you run your tongue over a sensitive spot on your tooth or notice a twinge while enjoying your morning coffee, you might be experiencing the early warning signs of a cavity. At 
What's Involved with Getting a Tooth Filling?
When you visit our dentist in Columbia, MD, for a tooth-colored filling, you can expect an efficient, comfortable experience:
- Comprehensive Examination — Dr. Fogel takes an x-ray to evaluate the extent of decay and confirm that a filling is appropriate.
- Comfortable Numbing — We gently numb the affected area to ensure a pain-free procedure.
- Decay Removal — Dr. Fogel carefully removes the decayed portion of your tooth, preserving as much healthy structure as possible.
- Tooth Preparation — An etching liquid is applied to the prepared space to ensure that the filling material bonds directly to the tooth’s surface.
- Custom Shaping — Dr. Fogel places the material in the tooth and meticulously shapes it to match your tooth's natural contours. Each layer is hardened with a special curing light.
- Final Polishing — The filling is polished to a smooth, natural-looking finish that resists staining.
The process typically takes less than an hour, and you'll leave with a restored tooth and a natural-looking smile.
Cavities often develop without symptoms, especially in the early stages, which is why routine checkups are crucial. As decay progresses, you may notice mild signs but not realize they mean you have a cavity.