Do you currently need a dental filling for a cavity? Read on to learn more about dental filling options. Cavities, also known as caries or tooth decay, occur when plaque eats away at the enamel that covers the outer surface of teeth. It is important to get a dental filling for cavities as soon as it is discovered. The decay will only worsen and damage the sensitive tissue and nerves inside your teeth without treatment. Serious problems, including nerve injury and tooth loss, may be avoided by treating tooth decay.
If a dentist discovers a cavity, the cavity may be filled by removing the decaying tissue and covering the hole with a dental filling, a restoration material inserted into the tooth to stop further deterioration and decay. The dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the surrounding tissue before removing the decay in the tooth. Using a dental drill, the decayed area of the tooth will be removed and prepared for a filling.
Dental filling materials have been improved over the years, and there are now many alternatives to conventional metal fillings. The following are examples of dental filling materials:
Amalgam has been used to fill decayed for almost a century and is still extensively utilized today. Amalgam fillings are made of mercury, silver, tin, copper, and other metals. These fillings are not as suitable for use in more visible teeth at the front of the mouth because of their silver color.
Due to the mercury in amalgam, concerns regarding its safety have been raised in recent years. Mercury poisoning has been related to a variety of neurological issues, especially in babies and children. According to research conducted by the National Institutes of Health, the Food and Drug Administration, and other major health agencies, dental amalgam is a safe choice for fillings. The additional metals in amalgam fillings help to stabilize the mercury and decrease the likelihood of side effects.
Composite is a tooth-colored resin-based substance composed of glass or quartz. Composite fillings are sturdy and provide a more natural appearance than amalgam fillings. However, they cost more, and the process takes longer. Composite fillings may also get discolored over time.
Glass ionomers, like composite fillings, are tooth-colored. They are composed of acrylic and glass and are typically used for cavities that occur on the tooth's root surfaces. Glass ionomers may also release fluoride, which can help prevent further dental deterioration. Since glass ionomers are not as long-lasting as amalgam or composite fillings, they are often only placed on areas of the teeth that are not subjected to a lot of chewing force.
If you have a cavity, discuss the pros and drawbacks of available dental filling options with your dentist. After assessing your overall dental health, your dentist can help you determine which kind of filling is ideal for you.
Request an appointment here: https://artofdentistrytx.com or call Art of Dentistry at (817) 550-0134 for an appointment in our Arlington office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Composite Fillings in Arlington, TX.
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…
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…
A dental filling is a restorative procedure that is typically offered by a general dentist. Fillings are done in order to restore teeth that are damaged from injuries or cavities. When dental fillings were first introduced, patients were only offered in one material option. Today, however, there are many different choices that patients can consider.Each…
Seeing a cosmetic dentist can bring dramatic improvements to your smile. The experience can even enhance your oral health. Knowing what to look forward to from this dental care provider can prepare you for your appointment. Here are the things to anticipate from a cosmetic dentist.Visiting a cosmetic dentist for the first time can be…
If you are missing several teeth on the jaw, you might consider opting for implant…
A root canal may seem like a complex procedure, but it is a routine process…
Let us take a look at a few of the benefits of preventive dental care.
The right cosmetic dentist can improve your smile and dental function at the same time.
Preventive care often gets overlooked as it relates to general dentistry, however, it plays a…
Dental sealants provide extra protection to teeth, especially for those more prone to tooth decay.
