Dental Filling for Damaged Tooth: Key Things to Know
Dental fillings are procedures performed to fix cavities. A cavity is a hole left behind in the tooth after decay. It still possesses the bacteria that created it. If left unchecked, the decay will continue to spread and ruin the tooth.
During the filling procedure, the dentist removes the decay inside the cavity with a drill to prevent further damage. However, it doesn’t fix the tooth damage that occurred. That is why fillings are required.
When You Need Dental Filling?
Your dentist will determine whether you have a cavity that needs filling. While examination, he or she will use a small mirror to examine the tooth surfaces.
If the doctor finds anything abnormal, close checking is performed with the special instruments. Your dentist may X-ray your whole mouth or part of it.
The type of filling treatment your dentist picks will depend on the extent of damage caused by the decay.However, there are the following signs that tell that you require fillings:
- Dark spots or a hole in your tooth
- Chipped or broken tooth
- Food particles stuck between certain regions of the teeth
- Single or multiple teeth cavities
- Sensitivity to hot and cold beverage as well as food
How Do Fillings Work?
Fillings work by replacing the destroyed part of thetooth. The dental expert molds them to match the exact shape of the nearbytooth. This restores the integrity and strength, thereby preventing decay fromre-entering the prone region.
How Dentist Add Filling to the Tooth of the Patient?
Firstly, the dental professionals will do a thorough oral examination and numb the decayed teeth or tooth using a local anesthetic to avoid any discomfort. It also numbs the surrounding gums and jaws around the teeth.
After that, they eliminate the decay with the help of a dental drill.
At last, your dentist will place the dental filling. The process will take only a few minutes. Furthermore, the technique used to insert it depends on the type of filling.
How Long Does A Filling Last?
The life span of dental Filling depends upon the filling material and also how well you take care of it. Its life span differs from 10 – 20 years.
Which Type of Dental Filling is Best?
No filling type is best for everyone. There are tons of options available today for teeth filling. Each one of them has its own advantages and disadvantages.
What is ideal for you will depend on:
- Whether you have allergies to some materials
- The extent of the repair
- Cost
- Your aesthetic preferences
- Where you need the filling in your mouth
Advantages of Dental Filling
Even minor cavities without a filling could compromise the health and functioning of your teeth. Here are the benefits that you can expect:
- Restore Lost Tooth Structure
A dental filling helps to restore the missing tooth structure caused due to decay or trauma. It actually fills the gap and guards it against further tooth decay.
Fillings also restore complete health and functionality to the tooth almost instantly. Furthermore, the composite fillings can even match your tooth color, thereby offering a natural appearance.
- Repairs Cracked or Broken Teeth
A filling also repairs broken or cracked tooth and wearing of teeth due to teeth grinding, nail-biting, etc.
- Prevent Serious Infections
Fillings prevent the build-up of plaque and bacteria inside the cavities, which could result in serious infections.
They also reinforce the tooth to keep it from cracking, chipping, or breaking inward due to trauma.
When is the Right Time to Replace a Cavity Filling?
Toothfillings can wear out over years and need replacement. If you grind or clenchyour teeth, you may need to have it replaced as soon as possible.
Moreover,if you spot any signs of wear and tear on your tooth fillings, visit your dentist for filling replacement.
Remember, continuing chewing with a damaged filling can result in tooth cracking and may need extra repair. That repair is more complex and costly in comparison to a simple cavity filling.
Restore your Oral Health with Mesa General Dentistry
When you choose high-quality dental filling in Mesa, Az at Bella Via Dental, the skilled doctors only use tooth-colored filling material to give you the ideal look.
Each dentist has done dentistry for dental filling and offers families with the knowledge to understand how they can effectively take care of their teeth.
Remember, the sooner you take care of your cavity, the better it will be for you. Filling quickly prevents all kinds of serious dental issues fast.