All you need to know about dental fillings
Oral health is given top priority because it has a direct connection with our overall well-being. Since we were young children, we have been advised to frequently floss and brush our teeth to maintain proper oral hygiene. However, with time, our teeth are likely to develop dental issues, either through poor hygiene or terrible eating habits. No matter how minor the issue may seem, you must promptly get the dental care you need. In particular, if you have a cavity, it may not initially seem like a serious problem, but if not treated promptly, cavity may result in irreversible tooth damage. In such cases, the best approach to restore damaged teeth is to get dental fillings from reputable dentists like Parkwood Green Dental.
Not sure how dental filling treatment works? This blog will help you understand everything you need to know about dental fillings. Continue reading!
What are dental fillings?
A dental filling is a type of dental restoration that is used to restore sections of tooth enamel that have been lost or damaged as a result of decay, injury, or ageing. By sealing off any cavities created by the decay and halting additional damage, a filling heals the injured tooth. Additionally, fillings can be used to close gaps between teeth and fix fractured or broken teeth.
Benefits of dental fillings:
- Dental fillings restore the function of your teeth and help stop additional deterioration, so you can keep eating and speaking normally.
- Getting a filling is typically less expensive than getting a crown or a root canal; another benefit is that it requires very little maintenance.
The dental filling procedure:
Evaluation: Your dentist will examine your tooth and decide whether a filling is the best course of action before starting any treatment. Your dentist may use X-rays to further examine the structure of your teeth when examining them. Evaluation also helps dentists determine the type of dental filling required.
Numbing: The tooth’s surrounding area will first be made numb by the dentist using a local anaesthetic. This step can be optional if patient has a good threshold for pain.
Decay extraction: Next, the damaged part of your teeth will be extracted using a drill, abrasion tool, or laser. The location and severity of the decay influence the instrument choice. To confirm if all of the decay has been removed, your dentist will then test the treated part.
Cleaning: The dentist will clean the cavity of bacteria and debris after removing the decay to prepare the area for the filling. Cleaning the damaged area helps restore damaged teeth faster.
Filling placement: Your dentist might initially place a liner made of glass ionomer, composite resin, or another material to protect the nerve if the decay is close to the root.
Polishing: After placing the filling, your dentist will often polish and complete it. Your new filling’s maintenance will then be covered in detail.
Follow-up: To make sure that everything is healing properly, you might also need to come back for a follow-up appointment.
Aftercare for dental fillings:
Your overall dental health won’t be improved by merely getting fillings. To maintain the effects of the treatment, you must engage in prompt dental maintenance. Here are some steps you can take following a dental filling:
- Plaque build-up and tooth decay can be avoided by brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day.
- Eating items that are hard, such as ice cubes, hard sweets, chewing gum, etc., might make the filling lose or dislodge.
- By visiting the dentist regularly, they can inspect the state of your filling and ensure that there are no future issues.
When a cavity develops, dental fillings could potentially save the day. However, you must see a dentist right away if you require a tooth filling. So schedule a visit with Parkwood Green Dental today to obtain the dental care you need to keep your smile healthy and beautiful. We have been assisting people deal with their dental ailments with our versatile and effective solutions. Connect with us now to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Are dental fillings safe?
Yes. Fillings in the mouth are typically regarded as a secure dental operation. All contemporary materials used in dental fillings have undergone rigorous testing to guarantee that they are safe and won’t hurt the patient or their teeth. These fillings can survive for many years without needing to be changed with good care.
2. What are the different materials used for dental fillings?
The types of dental fillings are classified according to the material used. Below are four types of dental fillings:
- Porcelain
- Tooth-coloured materials are also known as composite resin fillings.
The sort of filling that will best meet your needs depends on the location and severity of the decay, the cost of the filling material, your insurance coverage, and your dentist’s suggestion.
3. What are the signs that one may need dental filling treatment?
It can be difficult to determine when you require expert assistance for cavity issues. Hopefully, the following signs or signals will be helpful:
- It can be challenging to determine whether you have cavities or not, but these signs will help you determine your sensitivity to hot, cold, and sweet meals.
- Discomfort when chewing or biting on a particular tooth.
- Having food lodged in particular areas of the mouth.
- A discoloured area on the tooth’s outside.
- Dental discomfort in general.
4. How can cavities be avoided?
Unfortunately, cavities are nearly impossible to avoid. Even the symptoms won’t show up until cavities are rather large. Fortunately, during your regular dental check-ups, tiny, symptomless cavities can be found. Therefore, be sure to brush and floss every day and go to the dentist for regular check-ups.