How to Care for Your Dental Fillings to Ensure Longevity
Dental Filling is Here
To give you a brief overview, dental fillings come in materials such as gold, amalgam, composites, and ceramics. They are often used to repair damaged or cracked teeth, as well as teeth that have been worn down by wear (such as from nail-biting or tooth grinding). Other times, your dentist will use fillings to treat a cavity.
Now that you know quick information about dental fillings, it’s time for you to learn more.
The Tooth Decay
Tooth decay occurs when bad bacteria in your mouth produce acids that eat away at your teeth’s enamel. This can lead to the formation of a cavity in a tooth. Severe decay can cause a large hole in the tooth or even tooth loss. Untreated tooth decay can cause discomfort, infection, and tooth loss.
Meanwhile, mineral insufficiency is shown by a white patch. This is an indication of deterioration.
Tooth decay can be instantly reduced or reversed. Saliva minerals and toothpaste fluoride can be used to repair enamel. Enamel deteriorates and erodes over time, leaving a hollowness.
When there is tooth decay, the solution is usually dental fillings!
The Process of a Dental Filling
The dentist will first apply a local anesthetic to numb the tooth to be filled. The rotten zone will be removed using a drill, air abrasion, or laser. The instrument used is dictated by the dentist’s level of comfort, training, and equipment investment, as well as the location and amount of the decay.
Your dentist will use a probe to ensure that all decay has been removed. After the decay is removed, the dentist will thoroughly clean the cavity to remove bacteria and debris. Initially, a glass ionomer or composite resin liner may be placed at the root to protect the nerve. After the filling has been placed, your dentist will usually polish it.
For tooth-colored fillings, there are a couple more stages. It is administered in layers after your dentist has removed the decay and cleaned the area. Then, using a specific light, each layer is “cured” or hardened. To complete the multi layering technique, the dentist will shape the composite material, cut any surplus, and polish the completed repair.
The Treatment
Tooth-colored (composite) and silver-colored (amalgam) fillings are now available to treat cavities. Composite resins are utilized to fill teeth because they are tooth-colored and their quality is improving.
Crowns are used to treat teeth that have sustained significant damage. Crowns can be made from a number of materials, including gold, porcelain, and stainless steel (usually used on baby teeth). Crowns and fillings are rarely permanent.
The Different Types of Filling Materials
Today, there are several dental filling materials accessible. Inlays and onlays are used to fill gaps in teeth. Inlays and onlays are used to fill gaps in teeth. A glass ionomer is a substance made up of glass particles. This material is utilized in the production of composite resin fillings.
The degree of decay in a specific location, the cost of filling material, insurance coverage, and dental advice all play a factor in selecting which type of filling is ideal for you.
The Dental Filling Varieties
Dental fillings are commonly made with porcelain, a stain-resistant then composite that has a shelf life of 15 years or more and is as expensive as gold.
Meanwhile, the modern glass ionomer is made up of acrylic and a certain glass component. It is commonly used for fillings behind the gum line and in children (drilling is still required). Glass ionomers emit fluoride, which helps to protect teeth. It is, however, less robust and prone to wear and breakage than composite resin. Glass ionomer has a life expectancy of five years or less and costs nearly the same. When utilized properly, the more recent ones have a longer lifespan and are as good as composites.
Conclusion
Gone are the days when going to the dentist may seem daunting and intimidating. Now, with more information, it’s time for you to get a routine checkup. You may also discuss with your dentist about dental fillings and if you’re in need of them. Know that with proper oral care, you won’t need to worry about getting more dental treatments!
Are you looking for the best dentist in Dundas? Royal East Dental is the top choice for you in your family as we offer all types of services from routine cleaning to treating emergency cases. Give us a call today!