The principal advantages of dental fillings include restraining the progress of decay by repairing an enduringly damaged tooth to restore its standard functionality and appearance. In addition, fillings are advantageous to improve minor areas of decay and block further decline providing a barrier against toxic bacteria.
When placing dental fillings, South Simcoe Dental Care preserves the tooth structure as much as possible when replacing the damaged portion of the tooth. You can have dental fillings placed in a single visit to this facility because it is more affordable than getting dental crowns helpful to repair extensive areas of decay. Dental fillings last for many years, although they do not have the lifespan of dental crowns.
Detecting Cavities
The dentist near you uses different methods to detect cavities in your mouth that require fillings. For example, they might use observation to detect discolored spots on your teeth indicating tooth decay. Metal instruments called probes with sharp tips help catch weakened tooth enamel. X-rays are also helpful to see decline beneath the tooth enamel in the dentin and on the sides of the teeth.
What Kinds of Dental Fillings Can You Get?
Dental fillings in Bradford generally provide composite resin or amalgam fillings.
Amalgam fillings consist of a combination of silver, mercury, copper, and tin. Nearly 50 percent of the compound is made up of mercury binding the other materials to provide strength and durability.
Composite fillings, also called tooth-colored fillings, are made from ceramic and plastic compounds and appear like natural teeth than silver amalgam fillings.
Composite fillings being tooth-colored replicate the shade and color of your teeth, blending seamlessly and providing a natural appearance. They are a popular option to fix cavities in the visible areas of your mouth. The resin of composite fillings bonds strongly to the tooth’s surface, indicating it requires less drilling when restoring the maximum tooth structure. Composite fillings also assist in altering the shape and size of your teeth to enhance your smile. Unfortunately, tooth-colored fillings last for five to seven years compared to silver amalgam lasting 10 to 15 years.
Getting composite fillings from the dentist near you is complicated than silver amalgam fillings indicating the treatment needs more time. Amalgam fillings are resistant to future decay and are excellent for restoring the molars. However, they are conspicuous and visible.
The Dental Filling Procedure
The dental filling procedure is uncomfortable because it requires drilling your tooth to remove the decayed portion. However, dentists provide local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth before starting the process. After removing the decay, the dentist cleans the cavity for debris and bacteria removal and disinfects it, preparing it for restoration. You receive the types of dental fillings you have opted for before the treatment depending on the location of the cavity and the extent of damage it has created.
Selecting the Variety of Dental Fillings You Need
Tooth decay is a prevalent problem globally. However, some people are more vulnerable to cavities than others. Dental fillings restore normal functionality and appearance of the teeth damaged by decay to help prevent further damage. Earlier, silver amalgam was the only filling material available to restore teeth. However, dentistry advances have ensured alternatives like tooth-colored composites are also available.
Besides, choosing particular types of dental fillings must consider the cost, the damage created by the cavity, and the location of the damage. Dentists specializing in fillers can provide further advice about the advantages of fillings to help you decide which type is best suited for your specific situation.
How to Lessen Your Risk of Cavities?
Cavities resulting from tooth decay occur when sugary and starchy food particles get trapped on and between your teeth. Your mouth bacteria feast on the foods to convert them into acids to erode your tooth enamel and create holes. If you intend to lessen your risk of cavities, you must maintain a proper oral hygiene routine to increase your chances of remaining free from cavities.
You must brush your teeth two times every day, once in the morning and before getting into bed. Flossing your teeth at least once a day, regardless of the time, is also an essential requirement. You must have a healthy and balanced diet and limit stacking frequently. Preventive dental care like regular checkups and professional cleanings also helps you reduce the risk of developing cavities. Dental sealants and fluoride treatments help strengthen and protect your teeth.
If you already have a cavity in your teeth, the optimal method to safeguard your tooth is to accept the dentist’s advice in Bradford to get the tooth filled before it is too late. Leaving a cavity untreated can result in needing intensive and expensive root canal treatment and getting a dental crown. Instead, don’t you think getting dental fillings is a relatively comfortable option?