There's no reason to fear root canals or fillings anymore

Dental fillings or root canals are now easier and more effectively used than ever thanks to modern dental practices. We have the technology, tools, and specialized staff to perform these tasks while making you feel comfortable and at ease.

Root Canals

Root canal treatment (also called root canal therapy or endodontic therapy) is necessary when a cavity is neglected and reaches the tooth pulp. Sometimes, deep restorations or trauma to a tooth may cause its nerve to be damaged to the point that root canal therapy is necessary. Once the pulp is infected, it can even extend through the root tip and begin to eat away at the surrounding bone (this is known as an abscess).

By the time the pulp is infected, it must be treated, as it cannot heal on its own. Your entire immune system can even be weakened. This is both dangerous and painful.
 
A root canal is performed to clean out the infected tooth pulp and disinfect the canals of the tooth. The only other treatment for this issue is tooth extraction. Once the infection is resolved, the canal or canals are filled in to prevent further infection. Usually, a crown is recommended for restoring a tooth following a root canal.
 
When caught early, a root canal can prevent the loss of a damaged tooth. After extracting the infected pulp, your tooth will be fitted with a beautiful new crown.

Signs of Pulp Infection

Symptoms of infected tooth pulp include sensitivity to hot/cold or sweets, pain, swelling, pain from biting or pressure or a bad taste in the mouth. Sometimes, no symptoms are apparent and you are unaware of any problems until a checkup.

"Dr. Toups and the staff are very accommodating and thorough. Dr. Toups walks you through EVERYTHING in detail of when, where, and how your teeth are supposed to be. Step by step, he explains during any procedure he will do. He and his staff make sure you are comfortable."

Toni C. Ventroy-Facebook Review

Fillings

Tooth decay tunnels down into the tissue of the teeth in what is called a dental cavity. Dental cavities are usually caused by infrequent brushing and poor dental hygiene, but some people are also more genetically predisposed to getting frequent cavities. Even if you take amazing care of your teeth there is a chance that you may one day get a cavity.

Dental fillings are now easier and more effectively used than ever thanks to modern dental practices. We have the technology, tools, and specialized staff to perform the best dental fillings in Lafayette, La and surrounding Acadiana areas. 

Fillings

What is a dental filling?

Dental fillings involve using a metal or composite material to “fill” the cavity. The composite material bonds with the teeth. Fillings are the best way to preserve the natural teeth which have been affected by tooth decay. 

How do fillings work?

  • The dentist completely numbs the area with anesthesia.
  • The dentist removes the tooth decay and damaged portion of the tooth.
  • Composite material is used to fill the gap from the missing tooth.
  • The dentist then hardens the composite to the teeth for a permanent bond.
  • Enjoy a pain-free and cavity-free set of teeth again!

Tooth-Colored Fillings vs. Silver Fillings

Modern patients prefer tooth-colored fillings. Some old metal fillings have mercury within them which is why patients sometimes opt to replace their old silver fillings with tooth-colored ones. The composite material used for tooth-colored fillings looks better and performs better than metal fillings. 

Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings

  • Looks more natural
  • Safer
  • Faster

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