10
Mar
Repair cavities to stop progressive tooth decay: What to expect from the filling procedure
If you have a cavity, don’t worry! Your damaged tooth is in good hands at VanderLaan Family Dentistry. We can restore your tooth’s function and appearance quickly with minimal removal of healthy tooth structure.
How will you treat my cavity?
At our office in Byron Center, Michigan, a filling is one of the most common ways to treat a cavity. This procedure involves building the damaged tooth up again with specially prepared dental materials. These materials are shaped to “fill in” the hole or cavity that forms due to tooth decay. This progressive condition wears away at the tooth’s structure over time. This can weaken the tooth, produce pain, and cause visible damage to the tooth that detracts from the look of your smile.Â
How does a filling make my tooth look better?
We use all sorts of durable yet very cosmetic dental materials, including composite resin. This plastic can be matched to blend in with the shade of the surrounding tooth so it doesn’t look any different from the rest of the tooth. Also, by treating the cavity, we eliminate the dark and pitted areas often characteristic of this type of tooth decay. Once treated and with the damaged areas gone, your tooth and smile look better. Of course, it’s healthier, too.Â
Real Patients, Real Results
Before and After Images of Patients
Removal of cavity and tooth colored filling
Will I need a shot?
Dr. Matthew and our team ensure you are comfortable at every treatment step. To ensure this, we use a local anesthetic. That’s the first step in the process. The anesthetic supports your utmost comfort. So you won’t feel anything as we remove any remaining damaged tissue and place the filling.Â
How do you place a filling?
Techniques vary based on the type of filling that we use. Composite resin involves conservative preparation of the tooth, which maximizes the amount of preserved natural tooth. After any damaged structure has been removed, we reshape the tooth. This step helps to support the strongest bond between the resin and the tooth. The filling introduces the empty and prepared space in the tooth. Once everything looks great, it is cemented in place. The structure and strength of the tooth are now effectively restored!Â
Call Our Office for More Information
New Patients: (616) 288-2554 | Existing Patients: (616) 455-7310
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Will I need further treatment?
No, as long as you take good care of your teeth and gums. Otherwise, inconsistent or poor brushing and flossing can damage and threaten the tooth all over again. No good oral care program would be complete without regular visits to VanderLaan Family Dentistry. We will check your filling and other restorations during your routine checkup to ensure they are holding up well. We’ll also advise on ways to step up your hygiene game as needed. If you are worried about a tooth or need to schedule a checkup, contact our team in Byron Center, MI, today at (616) 288-2554.
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Dr. Matthew VanderLaan
Dr. Matthew VanderLaan is a highly skilled dentist with over 15 years of experience dedicated to personalized, patient-centered care. An alumnus of East Kentwood High School and the University of Michigan, he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. Having spent three years as a public health dentist, he established VanderLaan Family Dentistry in 2012.
Dr. VanderLaan has pursued advanced training at the Pankey Institute, Kois Center, Dawson Academy, American Academy of Facial Esthetics, The Schuster Center, and is a Fellow of Implant Pathways. He is also trained in TMJ and pain management. As a member of the American and Michigan Dental Associations and West Michigan District Dental Society, he is committed to excellence and trustworthiness in dentistry.
Within his family practice, Dr. VanderLaan has been a civilian provider for disabled veterans of the United States Armed Forces. Since 2014, He has partnered with the local VA and has had the pleasure of caring for individuals who have sacrificed their personal well-being for our Nation’s safety. He considers it one of his greatest honors of being a dentist.
Outside of his dental practice, Dr. VanderLaan is an avid family man. He enjoys his time with his wife of 17 years, Dana, as well as his four children (Brooke, 16, Jenna 15, AJ 11, and Nora 11). As a family they enjoy the kid’s sports, music, involvement in their Church and Christian Faith community, and Michigan Football. They also enjoy traveling and exploring the world together.
Dana VanderLaan
Dana VanderLaan founded VanderLaan Family Dentistry with her husband, Dr. VanderLaan, in April of 2012. She is versed in all administrative tasks and acts as the office manager. Before her over 12 years of experience in the dental field, Dana graduated with a BSW from Saginaw Valley State University and an MSW from the University of Michigan, School of Social Work. Dana is a self starter, and was trained in dentistry completely on the job, and continues to learn new things about running an efficient, patient-centered dental office.
Along with her work at VFD, she is mom to her children (Brooke 16, Jenna 15, AJ 11 and Nora 11), and works tirelessly to make sure all of their needs are met, and devotes her time to being their #1 supporter. She enjoys her family time, rooting on her kid’s at their various athletic events, school and church activities, traveling, walking and working out, gardening, and spending time at home.