At some point in life, many of us are going to need one or more dental restorative works. That can be due to old age, tooth decay, untreated cavities, gum problems, injuries, or some other factors.
When that time comes, we would obviously be curious to know if the treatments can bring back the appearance and functionality of the natural teeth—the former even more so than the latter. After all, most of us would prefer natural-looking dental fixtures to artificial-looking ones. The same applies to dental fillings.
If you are considering a dental filling treatment for yourself or a loved one, you might want to know if there is any filling that looks just like natural teeth. You’ve come to the right place. This blog post discusses everything about dental fillings, the types that look and feel like natural teeth, and more.
What are dental fillings?
Dental fillings are materials that fill up the gaps in the enamel of broken, decayed, and misshapen teeth. Traditionally, they have been crafted out of metals and alloys. But now they are made from composite materials, which make them look and feel just like natural teeth.
Types of dental fillings
When it comes to selecting the right dental fillings, it’s extremely crucial to know the types of dental fillings as all have their unique advantages and disadvantages. There are mainly five types of dental fillings:
- Silver amalgam fillings:
These contain silver and other metals including copper, zinc, tin, and mercury. Strong and durable, these last for 10 to 15 years. But the major disadvantage of silver fillings is that they aren’t natural-looking and are less aesthetic. They can also respond to changes in temperature and can contract or expand causing cracks and fissures to adjacent teeth.
- Composite fillings:
Made from resin and composite materials, these look just like natural teeth. They are put inside affected teeth and are chemically bonded. Even though aesthetics and natural appearance are their greatest advantages, they also have some big demerits. The first is their longevity, which is between five and ten years. The second is their strength and they can crumble under a bit higher bite force.
- Ceramic fillings:
These are created from porcelain materials and are more expensive than composite fillings. Apart from being aesthetically pleasing, they are long-lasting and are more resistant to stains and high bite force compared to composite fillings. However, they are brittle and they tend to break when used in smaller cavities.
- Glass ionomer fillings:
Crafted from a mix of acrylic and glass, these aren’t aesthetically appealing and natural-looking as composite and ceramic fillings. These last only for a few years and are weaker than composite fillings.
- Gold fillings:
As the name suggests, these are made from gold which makes them a lot more expensive than all other fillings. These can last for more than 10 to 15 years and even longer. These also can withstand massive biting and chewing force. But when it comes to aesthetics, these aren’t at all-natural looking and are more conspicuous than others. The procedure is also more complicated and needs additional visits than other fillings.
Which dental fillings can be easily matched to your teeth that resemble natural teeth?
Composite and ceramic fillings can be easily matched to your teeth than any other options. That’s because the appearance of both the fillings closely resemble a natural tooth and they can be tweaked to match the color of your teeth.
When you may need a dental filling?
Apart from broken, chipped, decayed, and deformed teeth, some more tell-tale signs could indicate that you need a dental filling.
- Extremely sensitive teeth
- A dark spot on any of your tooth
- A toothache
- Shredding of thread while flossing
If you feel that anything is wrong with your teeth, consult a dentist immediately to find out if you indeed need a dental filling.
What does a composite dental filling procedure entail?
The dental filling procedure is one of the fastest dental treatments. The procedure involves the following steps.
- A dentist will anesthetize the affected tooth and its adjacent area by using a local anesthetic or sedatives such as lidocaine. The anesthetizing process is painless and takes about a minute.
- After the tooth and the adjacent area is numb, the dentist will remove the damaged areas by using a laser or drill and will clean the area using a gel.
- The dental professional will apply the filling material to the affected tooth and will place adhesive and composite substances to seal and protect the tooth.
- The dentist will use a bonding light to harden the fillings and composite materials, smooth the rough edges and polish the tooth.
How to care for a tooth after a dental filling procedure?
After a dental filling procedure, take care of the following things:
- Don’t touch the tooth and adjacent area for 24 hours after the procedure
- Don’t suck on the tooth
- Rinse mouth with an alcohol-free mouthwash or salt water two to three times
- Eat soft foods but avoid sticky, and extremely hot or cold foodstuffs
- Don’t smoke
- Practice healthy oral care and dental hygiene
- Take anti-inflammatory medicines
- Brush and floss
- Drink a lot of water and fluids and keep your mouth well-hydrated
What to expect after getting the dental filling?
A dental filling is more than a dental procedure. It can change your life for the better. Here are the following things you can expect after a teeth filling procedure.
- No toothaches:
Toothaches are usually the symptom of some major dental problem such as cavities or decay. Once the affected tooth is filled with dental fillings, you are most likely to be free from any ache or pain in that particular area.
- Reduced or no sensitivity:
Before the filling procedure, the affected tooth is unbearably sensitive to hot and cold foods and it causes immense discomfort while eating due to unexpected pain and sensitivity. But after the procedure, the sensitivity in the affected tooth gets considerably reduced, if not stopped altogether.
- Improvement in the tooth’s appearance:
A dental filling enhances the tooth structure and gives it a natural and healthy-looking form. It improves the smile and overall oral health.
If one or more previous problems persist for more than a few days, then consult a professional and qualified dentist immediately.
In sum
Dental fillings are one of the easiest and most affordable dental restorative procedures. But when it comes to aesthetics and functionality, choosing the right type of fillings can mean the difference between a beautiful smile and a hesitant one. At Trucare dentistry Roswell GA, we believe in conservative dentistry and we provide durable and high-quality tooth-colored filling treatments for the best prices in Roswell GA. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
FAQs
Before going through a filling procedure, here are some things you should know about them when it comes to making an informed decision.
1. Can anyone spot your dental fillings?
There are different types of tooth fillings. Some are made from metal alloys and glass. Some are made from ceramic and composite materials. The latter isn’t conspicuous as they are tooth-colored and can be matched to a patient’s teeth.
2. Can you brush after a filling procedure?
It’s not advisable to brush your teeth immediately after a dental filling procedure. But you certainly can after a day, once the filling settles.
3. What’s the longevity of dental fillings?
Different types of fillings have different longevity. A regular silver amalgam filling can last up to 12 years, while a composite filling can last between five to ten years. Glass ionomer fillings are weaker compared to silver amalgam and composite fillings and can last just a few years.