Dental Filling is a restorative dentistry procedure used to restore or substitute the structure of your tooth or teeth. The damaged tooth structure due to tooth decay restores with various dental fillings that provide an aesthetic look to your smile. Dental Fillings also help to prevent additional tooth decay by hollowing out the tooth. It primarily closes gaps in your teeth caused by tooth decay, fractured teeth, or teeth worn down by dental habits such as nail biting or teeth grinding.
Types of Dental Fillings
Numerous types of dental fillings are available; each has advantages and disadvantages. The types of dental fillings include:
Amalgam Fillings: These fillings combine metals, including mercury, silver, tin, and copper, and can last for many years. However, some people are concerned about using mercury in amalgam fillings.
Metal Filling: This filling can be silver or gold. Although silver fillings are less expensive, most individuals prefer gold fillings. It is because gold fillings can endure powerful chewing forces and last 10-15 years, but gold is costly, and the color is unappealing.
Glass Lonomer Cement Filling: This filling combines cement powder and a liquid mix to create a cement that incorporates glass and quartz particles. Excellent material; however, it cannot withstand tremendous stress.
Porcelain Filling: This form is mainly for people who want to look their finest. It is recommended when tooth decay is vast and requires extensive coverage.
Composite Fillings: These are tooth-colored fillings of glass or quartz particles and acrylic resin. Its primary use is restoring front, rear, and broken teeth. It works by forming a strong link with the structure of your teeth.
Benefits of Dental Fillings
The primary purpose of dental fillings is to heal damaged or rotting teeth. The decayed section of the tooth is eliminated, and the cavity fills with dental material such as amalgam, composite resin, or gold.
Here are some numerous advantages of dental fillings:
- Restores Tooth Functions: Dental fillings improve overall health and nutrition by restoring the tooth’s ability to chew and crush food properly.
- Prevents Further Decay: Filling cavities stops corrosion from spreading to other parts of the nearby teeth, reducing the risk of tooth loss and the need for more extensive dental procedures.
- Protects Tooth Nerve: If a cavity is left untreated, it can eventually reach the tooth’s nerve, causing severe pain and requiring a root canal. By sealing the hole, dental fillings protect the nerve.
- Improves Appearance: Fillings can be color-matched to blend in with the surrounding teeth, improving the tooth’s appearance and restoring the patient’s confidence in their smile.
- Cost-Effective: Dental fillings are a relatively inexpensive alternative for mending damaged or decaying teeth.
Costs of Dental Fillings
Fillings are a relatively inexpensive and efficient restoration treatment; however, the cost varies widely depending on the situation and the patient. Treatment costs are influenced by the filling size, the required fillings, and the material used. Investing in a filling to restore the teeth today may decrease your need for more costly operations later. For example, if a cavity is not addressed, it can lead to tooth loss, and repairing a missing tooth is far more expensive than a dental filling.
Procedures of Dental Fillings
The task for dental fillings typically involves the steps given below:
- Numbing the Area: The dentist will first numb the area around the tooth to ensure the patient feels pain during the procedure.
- Removing the Decay: Remove the decayed tooth portion using a dental drill.
- Cleaning the Cavity: Clean the cavity to ensure no bacteria or debris are left behind.
- Filling the Cavity: Fill the cavity with the appropriate filling material, which may be composite resin, porcelain, silver amalgam, or gold.
- Shaping and Polishing: Shape the filling to ensure it fits comfortably with the other teeth and shine to give it a smooth finish.
The procedure for dental fillings typically takes about 30-60 minutes per tooth, depending on the extent of the decay and the filling material used. Patients may experience discomfort or sensitivity after the procedure, but it typically subsides within a few days.
Summing Up
Dental fillings are an essential treatment option for restoring damaged teeth and preventing further decay. Regular dental check-ups are vital for avoiding dental fillings. It allows for identifying future problems and implementing preventative actions to prevent more comprehensive treatments. However, you may want to consult with our dentists at TruCare. You can contact us for the best emergency dentist in Roswell, GA, or neighboring areas such as Dunwoody, Alpharetta, Milton, Marietta, Woodstock, or Sandy Springs. Contact (678) 321-7575 or visit our website to book an appointment today.