What are dental fillings?
Dental fillings are used to repair tooth decay and cavities. After removing the decayed portion or cavity, this filling is applied to fill the empty space. Dental fillings restore broken, cracked, or damaged teeth through the combination of metal, plastic, glass, or other materials.
Types of Dental filling materials
There are many dental filling materials available to restore your damaged teeth.
Here are some of the options and advantages of dental fillings:
1. Gold
Gold fillings are formed with alloys of gold, copper, and other metals. The yellow-colored gold dental crown is around 16 karat gold. It is malleable and immune to decay.
- Gold fillings last for 10 to 15 years.
- It does not affect your chewing force.
- It is more visibly attractive than silver fillings.
- They are completely accepted by the body and do not harm any of the adjacent teeth.
2. Porcelain
The only filling that is mercury-free, metal-free, and BPA Free. It is much stronger and more durable material that gives maximum aesthetic and functional results.
- Stronger and more durable than composite fillings near you.
- Makes facial appearance more pleasing
- It preserves the natural tooth structure by conservating tooth preparation
- It bonds strongly with natural teeth
- Withstands stains
3. Silver amalgam
It is also called "silver filling" due to its appearance. It is a mixture of mercury, silver, copper, and zinc. It contains approximately 50% mercury and is used to fill dental cavities.
- They are strong and long-lasting and are less likely to break.
- Advantageous to patients who have a high risk of tooth decay
- Least expensive
- Easy to maintain
4. Composite resin fillings
Powdered quartz, silica, or other ceramic particles are combined with a resin base to create this filling. They normally last for five to ten years, but they can also last longer than average, depending on different factors.
- Bonds with existing teeth without any complication
- The filling hardens within seconds after the treatment
- Decreases the tooth sensitivity
- Easily fixable
- Minimal drilling is required during the treatment
To find out which fillings are right for your teeth, visit a dentist who performs dental fillings near you.
The Process
Depending on where the filling is placed and the materials used, the treatment's steps may change.
The basic steps of the procedure are as follows:
- The area will be numbed with anesthesia before the filling is placed, and then the decayed area will be removed using a drill tool.
- Your dentist will inspect the area of the teeth that have been treated to ensure that all of the decayed portions have been removed.
- Preparing the area for the fillings close to the tooth's root in order to protect the nerve before beginning to fill in the entire tooth.
- After the filling is completed, polishing will be the final step to restore the natural appearance of the teeth.
What to expect after the treatment
Tooth pain after filling
You can expect toothache-type symptoms like throbbing, sharp pain, and constant pain in the teeth or near the roots after the treatment. You can also have pain in the teeth beside the tooth that received the filling. Pain may persist for one to two weeks after the treatment.
Sensitivity
Three weeks after the treatment, eating cold or hot food may cause sensitivity. You may feel pressure on the teeth and increased sensitivity if the dental filling is for a deeper cavity. To prevent these problems, use toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth.
Sharp Edge or Discomfort
After the anesthetic wears off, you will notice that the sharp edges and excessively high dental fillings make moving your jaw or mouth painful and uncomfortable.
Visit a dentist near you if you experience persistent, severe pain and discomfort. You can have your teeth checked to make sure the fillings are in place or to avoid more serious problems.
Looking for dental fillings in Carstairs
Visit Mountain View Smiles for cosmetic, general, orthodontic, and endodontic services to take care of your oral health. Our dentist in Didsbury provides quality services to patients and their families, but also protects, restores, and enhances their smiles.
Schedule your appointment today and consult our specialists to maintain your good oral health.
Address:- 208 10th Ave Unit 2, Carstairs, AB T0M 0N0, Canada