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At some point in our lives most of us will end up with a cavity or two. A cavity brings attention to your dentist to remove the decay and fill in the tooth area that was removed. A dental filling is a type of dental restoration that is used to fix minor damaged teeth and other problems that are commonly associated with tooth decay. Receiving a filling can greatly improve the sensitivity caused by damaged enamel once the filling is in place. Since getting a filling is directly related to the health of your teeth, specifically with tooth decay, it is important to take preventative measures to maintaining proper oral health. The Procedure At your regular dental check-ups, your dentist will thoroughly examine your gums, teeth and the bone structure which supports them. Your dentist will be able to spot places within your mouth that have been damaged. When a problem is recognized, your dentist will prepare your tooth or teeth to remove the decay. Regular dental cleanings will enable your dentist to remove any remaining bacteria and food debris before proceeding with your filling. Your dentist will initially apply adhesives to the affected area before placing the composite material. The adhesives will be hardened using a special light source which will encourage bonding. The end result is a natural looking restoration. Types of Fillings There are two main categories that dental fillings fall into: Direct and Indirect Restorations. Direct restorations are fillings that are placed immediately into a prepared cavity in only one visit while indirect restorations may require two or more visits. Indirect includes inlays, on-lays, veneers, crowns and bridges. Within the direct restorations category are these types of fillings: • Amalgam - this is a mixture of two or more metals in which mercury is present
• Composite (resin) - a mixture of acrylic resin and powdered glass-like particles that produce tooth-colored fillings.
• Glass Ionomer - tooth-colored materials that are made of a mixture of acrylic acids with fine glass powders that are used to fill cavities.
• Resin Ionomer - these are also made from glass filler with acrylic acids and acrylic resin, hardening with exposure to blue light. Indirect restorations include: • Porcelain (ceramic) - used in inlays, on-lays, crowns and cosmetic veneers.
• Gold Alloys - contain gold, copper and other metals that result in a strong, effective filling, crown or bridge.
You have a wide array of choices when it comes to restoring damaged or decayed teeth. Many people will even replace their old silver amalgam fillings with newer white composite fillings. Prevent Tooth Decay and Avoid Fillings In order to avoid the need for fillings, you need to stop tooth decay. Preventing tooth decay is the best way to protect your oral health. Follow these basic steps to prevent dental decay:
• Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
• Floss or use an interdental cleaner once a day
• Eat a balanced diet
• Limit eating and drinking between meals
• Visit your Rockford dentist regularly
• Ask your dentist about dental sealants Without treatment from your dentist and proper oral hygiene, dental decay may continue to advance and can result in the loss of the affected tooth or teeth, which will potentially proceed with great discomfort, infection and other health problems. It is always important to talk openly with your dentist to learn about the various ways that you can protect and restore your teeth. Fillings may not solve every oral health issue, but your Rockford dentist will be able to accurately decide the best treatment for your ailments with proper consultation.
Dr. Jeffrey Allen is a Rockford cosmetic dentist. Specializing in a wide variety of dental services and treatments, including fillings, dental cleanings and crowns, this experienced Rockford dentist is equipped to handle any dental need.
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