Dental fillings are one of the most common and straightforward dental treatments; most people will experience tooth decay at some point. That’s why it’s essential to understand the importance of dental fillings and what’s involved with the dental filling procedure.
Even though dental fillings are extremely common, there are various factors to consider when suffering from tooth decay. Here’s everything you need to know about fillings from Hosaka Family Dental.
Introduction to Dental Fillings
A dental filling is an artificial material that fills a hole or gap in your tooth enamel. If you have tooth decay or broken or eroded teeth, your dentist can use a dental filling to restore the shape and stability of your tooth, enabling you to chew properly.
A dental filling also prevents your tooth from further damage or decay; this can help you keep your natural tooth intact. If left untreated, tooth decay can spread deep into your tooth, leading to more serious dental concerns.
Some common signs of tooth decay include the following:
- Dark spots on your tooth
- Holes in your tooth where food gets stuck
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweets
- Pain when biting or chewing
In this blog, you will learn about the different types of dental fillings, how to choose the right one for you, what will happen when you visit your dentist for a filling, and how to care for your filling after treatment.
Types of Dental Fillings
There are four different types of dental fillings your Smyrna dentist might recommend to repair your decayed or damaged tooth, including:
- Silver amalgam fillings – This mixture of silver, tin, zinc, copper, and mercury is a strong and durable filling material. It is popular for its ease of use and cost; these fillings can last up to 12 years. However, amalgam fillings are not very aesthetically pleasing.
- Composite fillings – This mixture of plastic and resin is placed in your tooth and hardened with a curing light. Composite fillings can be matched to your tooth’s natural color, so they are barely noticeable. However, they are more expensive than amalgam fillings and don’t last as long.
- Ceramic fillings – Made from porcelain ceramic, these fillings are both long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing. However, they are also more expensive. Ceramic fillings, also called inlays or onlays, must be larger to avoid breaking.
- Ionomer glass fillings – This type of filling produces fluoride, so it’s ideal for children’s teeth. Ionomer glass fillings can protect your teeth from further decay, but they aren’t as strong as composite fillings and are much more likely to wear out sooner than the other types.
Factors Influencing Filling Choice
Because there are so many dental filling options, your dentist can give you professional advice about which material suits your needs. Before deciding which type of dental filling is best, you and your dentist should discuss these factors:
- Your dental health
- The location of the cavity
- The severity of the tooth decay
- Your budget and dental insurance coverage
The Dental Filling Procedure
When you arrive for your dental filling, you can expect your appointment to last between 30 minutes and an hour in most cases. Your dentist will perform the following steps to repair your tooth:
- First, they will numb the affected area so you will be comfortable during the procedure. You shouldn’t feel any pain during your treatment.
- Next, they will remove the decay from your tooth and reshape the area in preparation for your dental filling.
- Once the area is ready, they will place the filling material into your tooth. If necessary, a curing light will be used to harden the filling material.
- Finally, they will polish the tooth to ensure there are no sharp edges and your bite is restored.
That’s it!
Caring for Dental Fillings
Regardless of the type of dental filling your dentist recommends, you need to be careful about caring for it when you leave the dentist’s office:
- Consider sticking to soft foods for the first 24 hours after you get a dental filling.
- Wait until your mouth isn’t numb before biting down on anything to avoid biting your cheek, tongue, or lips.
- For at least two weeks, try to avoid any foods that are hard, chewy, or sticky, as they can loosen your filling.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers for discomfort.
After a couple of weeks, caring for your new dental filling is similar to caring for your other teeth. Following these steps can help you ensure the best oral health possible:
- Brush your teeth twice a day.
- Floss your teeth once a day.
- Limit the amount of sugary snacks and drinks you consume.
- Rinse your mouth with mouthwash to minimize the bacteria on your teeth and gums.
- Avoid tobacco products.
- Avoid acidic beverages; try to drink as much water as possible.
- Avoid biting down on hard objects.
- Visit your Smyrna dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning.
Do You Need Dental Fillings in Smyrna, GA?
If you need a dentist in 30080 for you or a loved one, consider Hosaka Family Dental! Our experienced dental team can care for all your oral health needs; whether it’s a dental filling, cosmetic dentistry, emergency dental care, or tooth replacement, we’re here for you. You can reach our dental office at (770) 435-3100.
We look forward to hearing from you.