Tooth decay and cavities are common oral health problems, and getting a tooth-colored filling to restore your tooth can prevent the issue from escalating.
Tooth decay and cavities are common oral health problems, and getting a tooth-colored filling to restore your tooth can prevent the issue from escalating.
A filling is a basic treatment procedure primarily used to fix cavities or other mild decay or damage. Fillings are very common and have a high success rate. We offer options for composite and amalgam fillings, both are safe, and the type used will depend on your needs. Composite fillings, which match the color of your teeth, are commonly used on visible teeth because they look more natural.
Sealants are a thin coating that is painted on teeth to protect them from cavities. They are typically used in children but can be used in adults as well. Sealants are a quick and affordable option to prevent cavities and the necessity of tooth fillings down the road.
Cavity and tooth fillings are required because of the deterioration of holes left in the tooth due to tooth decay. Left unchecked, the decay will continue to spread and damage the tooth. Dentists clean away the decay inside the cavity during the filling procedure, usually with a drill to prevent further damage. But this doesn’t fix the damage already created, so a filling is necessary. The filling intends to replace the part of the tooth that is missing or destroyed by tooth decay. The dentist molds the filling to match the shape of the surrounding tooth, restoring the strength and integrity of the tooth and preventing further decay.
A filling is a dental procedure used to repair and restore teeth damaged by decay. The tooth is cleaned of the decay, and a composite material is used to fill the hole left. The filling is shaped to match the surrounding tooth, and it helps to prevent further decay and restore the tooth’s strength and integrity. The procedure is standard and has a high success rate. Fillings are done to stop the spread of decay and repair the damage that has already been caused, and it is usually performed using a drill to remove the decay and prevent further damage. Going without fillings can lead to worse issues like inner tooth infections requiring a root canal.
There are several types of materials available that are used for fillings, which include gold, porcelain, silver amalgam (which consists of mercury mixed with silver, tin, zinc, and copper), tooth-colored plastic, and composite resin fillings. There is also a material that contains glass particles and is known as glass ionomer. This material is used in ways similar to the use of composite resin fillings. Which type is used depends on your dentist, the extent and location of your tooth decay, and sometimes, your insurance coverage.
Sealants are meant for healthy teeth that have not yet developed cavities. In most cases, they are applied to permanent molars soon after they emerge, typically between the ages of 6 and 12. However, adults can also choose to have sealants applied. This might be necessary if their childhood sealants have worn off or they get cavities in other teeth for the first time.
Getting affordable dental sealants can help prevent the need for more extensive (and expensive) oral health treatments in the future.
After getting a filling, it is expected to experience tooth sensitivity once the numbing wears off. You may feel pain when consuming hot or cold foods and when brushing or flossing near the filled tooth. Tender gums are also typical after a filling.
To minimize tooth sensitivity, you can:
If you have more questions about fillings and sealants or want to schedule an appointment, please give us a call and we will be happy to discuss further.
