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Our office follows infection control recommendations made by the American Dental Association (ADA), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA):

  • Temperatures of patients and staff will be taken
  • We have installed HEPA filters throughout the office and in each operatory.
  • Hand sanitizer will be available throughout the office.
  • Our office will communicate with you before your appointment to ask some screening questions. You’ll be asked questions again when you arrive at the office.
  • Patients will be directed to arrive at the time of their appointment or to wait in their vehicles to avoid people waiting in our reception area.
Hastings & Havlik Family Dentistry
Dr. Myles Hastings and Dr. Bill Havlik installing a sign A child in a dentistry-themed parade float A Halloween presentation at the dentist's office Dr. Chris Havlik and Dr. Bill Havlik The whole staff theme at a Christmas party Dr. Chris Havlik and Dr. Myles Hastings using toothbrushes as lightsabers A group around a dentistry-themed parade float Dr. Myles Hastings giving a training The Hastings family at the dental office A child and a dental hygienist smiling after tooth cleaning

Fillings

service_fillings.jpgA “filling” is a way to restore a tooth damaged by decay back to its normal function and shape. If you have a tooth that requires a filling, your dentist will first remove the decayed tooth material, clean the affected area, and then fill the cleaned out cavity with a filling material. A filling also helps prevent further decay by closing off any cracks or spaces where bacteria can enter.

There are a variety of filling materials available including gold, silver, plastic and porcelain. The dentist will work with you to determine which material is best for you, depending on the extent of repair, where in your mouth the filling is needed, and cost. Each of the filling materials is briefly explained below:

  • Composite (ceramic-filled plastic) resins are custom made to the exact color of your natural teeth, creating a more natural appearance. They may not be ideal for large fillings as they may chip or wear over time. They may also become stained from coffee, tea or tobacco.
  • Porcelain fillings are called inlays or onlays and are custom created in a lab or milled in office and then bonded to the tooth. They can be matched to the color of the tooth, resist staining, and are about the same cost as gold fillings. A porcelain restoration generally covers most of the tooth, making the filling nearly undetectable.

If a filling is not the right option, you may require a crown.