Choosing the Right Type of Dental Filling for Cavities

Choosing the Right Type of Dental Filling for Cavities

February 1, 2023

Wouldn’t it be amazing if we were all certain that our teeth would remain intact until the day we die? Interestingly enough, this is possible, especially when you live in this tech era. Dental technology is light years ahead of what it was decades ago. Now, we have options for saving teeth, such as dental fillings in Trafalgar that lengthen the lifespan of a tooth with cavities.

Tooth decay can be treated, so there is no need to wait it out. If a cavity goes untreated, it will have a detrimental effect on oral health. The cavity will get to the sensitive parts of the tooth, which might lead to infection. The next thing you know, you need a tooth extraction.

So, if you wish to avoid this route, dental fillings are your best bet. But we have several options for dental fillings, and you might have a challenge picking the right one. By the time you will be through reading this, you will have a better perspective of dental fillings.

Understanding Fillings

Food is essential for our sustenance and survival. However, after consuming food, some remnants might get lodged between teeth in deep grooves and fissures. If you cannot remove this food debris, bacteria will find plenty of food to cause them to multiply.

The next thing you know, bacteria are wreaking havoc, and your teeth become weak since acids erode your enamel. The acids are released during digestion as bacteria convert the food debris on your teeth. In no time, you will have cavities (holes).

You need to engage our dentist’s services near you to get dental fillings. Our dentist will remove the damaged part of the tooth and then use dental fillings to “fill” the space that remains after the damaged portion of the tooth is removed.

Are They Necessary?

Cavities damage the shiny hard outer covering of your tooth (enamel). If hardened plaque (tartar) is not removed, bacteria will erode the tooth until the tooth’s inner softer parts are exposed. This provides the best breeding grounds for bacteria.

Your tooth’s structural integrity will get compromised, and your tooth will stop performing as normal. Also, there’s a risk that you might develop an infection at the root. If the infection is not caught early, it might become severe and is, at times, life-threatening. That’s why the only solution is to remove the tooth when the infection is at this stage.

What Happens During Your Appointment?

Once you get to our dentist’s office, our dentist will examine your teeth. After close examination, our dentist will determine the extent of the damage. If it is not severe, the next step will be to prepare for a dental filling.

The next step will be to numb the area using local anesthesia. Once the anesthetic has taken effect, our dentist will remove the decayed part. After that, our dentist will clean the area, remove the debris and then pick a dental filling based on your preference.

Types of Fillings

You have a variety of options when you are looking for dental fillings near you. Your options will be based on the type of material being used. Since different materials have different traits, this will determine their durability, functionality, and cost. In any case, you might need to follow the following criteria to help you choose the appropriate filling in your scenario:

  • Cost
  • Location of the filling
  • If you are allergic to certain materials
  • The extent of your damage

Once you have gone through the above list, the only thing left to do will be to pick among the following options:

Amalgam (Silver) Fillings

Amalgam is simply a blend of metals such as silver and tin. They are sturdy fillings but lack aesthetic appeal because of their greyish hue.

Porcelain Fillings

These fillings are a favorite among patients because they are tooth-colored and stain-resistant. However, they might be more expensive than most dental fillings.

Composite Fillings

These fillings are also common among patients. They are made from hardened plastic (resin) and are tooth-colored. They are also a pocket-friendly option. But they tend to wear out much faster than the other fillings.

Gold Fillings

These are the best fillings for durability; you can use them for about two decades. They are made from gold and other metals. But they are a bit expensive and are not tooth-colored.

Whichever option you’d choose, getting dental fillings is the best choice when you have cavities. Contact us at Indian Creek Family Dentistry to schedule an appointment.

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