If you need a dental filling because of a cavity, you are not alone. Tooth decay can occur at any age. According to Healthline, 92% of adults over 20 in the United States have had at least one cavity.
A dental filling is a common and relatively simple procedure to remove the decay and restore the tooth. It can be performed in the dentist's office and takes about an hour to fill one tooth.
Your dentist may give you the option to choose between several different types of fillings. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.
The earliest fillings were made of metals such as silver or gold. Gold fillings are still available today, but they are not very common because of the cost.
Silver amalgam fillings are made with a combination of tin, copper, and mercury mixed with silver. They are durable and affordable. However, they distort the color of the tooth. Some people have questioned the safety of silver amalgam fillings because they contain mercury, which is poisonous. Research into the health effects has shown that the mercury content is not enough to be harmful.
Composite fillings are made of acrylic resin mixed with quartz particles or glass. The result is a filling that mimics the appearance of the natural tooth without discoloration. Composite fillings do not contain any hazardous materials such as mercury. Though strong in their own right, they may not be quite as durable as silver amalgam fillings. They are also slightly more expensive.
Like composite fillings, glass ionomer fillings are tooth-colored. They are more expensive than other options and not as strong. Their major advantage is that they help prevent future cavities because the glass they are made of contains fluoride.
A cavity is usually diagnosed with a dental examination and X-rays to determine the extent of the decay. You usually make an appointment to have the dental filling done at a later date.
When you arrive for your filling appointment, the first step is to numb the area where the treatment is to take place. This desensitizes the nerves so you do not feel any pain.
The next step is typically to remove the decayed tissue. This is accomplished using a dental drill. The space that is left behind is filled with the material that you and your dentist chose for the filling. Depending on the material, the dentist may use a special blue light to cure the filling. Otherwise, it will harden on its own.
With a silver amalgam filling, the dentist may ask you to avoid eating hard foods for about 24 hours following the procedure to allow it to harden completely. Otherwise, you can usually go back to your normal activities immediately after a filling.
Tooth decay is common, affecting people of all ages. By the age of 64, most adults in the United States have had at least one dental filling. It is a simple procedure with very little recovery that can be performed right in the dentist's office.
Request an appointment here: https://www.missionviejosmile.com or call Basti Dental Care at (949) 201-4721 for an appointment in our Mission Viejo office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Composite Fillings in Mission Viejo, CA.
A dental fillings is indispensable when it comes to teeth restoration. It can fill the cracks and cavities that dental decay has left on your tooth. While getting fillings is an easy procedure, some find it taxing, especially when there is hearsay about drills and scraping. If you want to understand what happens when you…
Curious about dental fillings? Read on to learn more about this common dental restoration. The mouth serves as a gateway to our overall health, and the condition of one's teeth can offer insights into various aspects of our well-being. One of the major ways to maintain good oral health is to promptly address dental decay…
Getting a dental filling is a helpful treatment method. It can restore the tooth’s optimal health. The right dental filling can seal the cavity and prevent the infection from advancing. If you want to know the steps involved in a dental filling procedure, here are the details.The dentist will perform a visual inspection of the…
Dental fillings are made of artificial substances, and they are used to fill the holes in your tooth left due to decay. They can also fix damaged, cracked, or broken teeth. Fillings are needed to help restore the structure of your tooth and help aid in your dental health for years to come. A dental filling…