Three Tips About Fillings
Most Americans have at some point in their lives gone into the dentists to hear the dreaded word “Cavity”. If you have a cavity, tooth pain, or even cracks or damage to your teeth, there are a few potential treatment options that could help restore your teeth back to their natural healthy state. Some of our favorite and the least invasive treatments for damaged areas on teeth are fillings. With a number of different materials that your fillings can be made from and such a wide variety of issues that can be treated with fillings, this versatile treatment is one of the most common dental procedures done across the United States. If you would like to learn more about fillings or are experiencing any tooth pain or chips, don’t wait until it is too late. Schedule your appointment here at Fenton Family Dentistry today. Here are three tips about dental fillings.
What Do Fillings Do?
Fillings essentially are a material that fills and repairs broken or decayed sections of your teeth. The most common reason most people get fillings is if they have experienced decay in their teeth, also known as a cavity. Cavities are created when plaque bacteria break down sugar in your mouth and eat away at the structure of your teeth. If left untreated, cavities will decay all the way down to the root of your teeth and can even cause damage to your jawbone. In order for a filling to work efficiently, the damaged or decayed portion of your tooth will need to be removed and cleaned. Once the area has been prepped, the filling material will be shaped and molded into place to seamlessly take the place of the injured area.
Are All Filling Materials The Same?
Fillings can be made out of three main materials: a metal amalgam, a composite resin, or porcelain. Metal amalgams have been the traditional material for dental fillings for over 150 years, but that material has changed quite a bit over those years. Metal fillings are extremely durable and long-lasting, but they are also highly visible to the naked eye. If you are looking for a discrete solution for your fillings, porcelain and composite resins are right for you. These tooth-colored fillings are not only discrete, but they also mimic the natural feel of your tooth in your mouth. The downside of these fillings is that they have a similar durability and strength to your natural teeth, which is still very durable and strong, but not quite as strong as the metal amalgam,
How Can I Protect My Fillings
Once you have your fillings fit into place, the hard part is over. You may think that you will have a laundry list of new dental hygiene projects to take care of now, but fillings are some of the easiest dental implants to care for. Depending on the material you choose to have your fillings made out of, most people will be able to simply brush and floss their teeth regularly.
If you are experiencing any tooth pain or are looking for any other dental care, contact the friendly and helpful team here at Fenton Family Dentistry today.