What Does Dental Fillings Do?

You’ve just gone to your dentist’s office for a regular check-up, and they tell you that you need a dental filling. Unfortunately, most people need at least one filling in their lifetime. However, you shouldn’t worry since dental filling placement is one of the most common procedures at the dentist’s office. So, you’ll have an easy time during the placement, especially if you maintain proper flossing and brushing.

What Is A Dental Filling

A dental filling combines glass, plastics, metals, and other materials to restore or repair teeth. It’s used to fill an area in your dentist’s tooth removed due to decay. Dental fillings also improve broken or cracked teeth and teeth worn out.

Types of Dental Fillings

Different dental fillings in SND Family Dental fill your cavity and prevent further damage to your teeth. They include:

Amalgam Dental Fillings

Amalgam dental fillings combine silver, mercury, tin, and copper. It is a popular type since it is firm and sturdy. It is also less expensive than other options and long-lasting. With proper dental care, these fillings can last up to 12 years.

In addition, this filling is malleable, making dentists find it easy to use. However, patients don’t see it as aesthetically pleasing. Also, amalgam fillings are prone to contracting and expanding, causing your tooth to crack compared to other options of fillings. Although it has mercury surrounding it, it is declared safe for use.

Dental Composite Fillings

Composite fillings are made of resin and glass. Your dentist near you will place it on the tooth while it is soft and harden it with a bright light. The filling can be customized to match the color of your teeth. This makes it more popular and common since many people want natural-looking smiles.

However, a composite filling is less durable, making it not always the right pick. Therefore, the useful life of this filling is not as long as other options such as amalgam fillings. A composite filling is best as a small filling and ideally suited for teeth that receive less pressure when you chew.

Ceramic Fillings

These fillings are made from porcelain material. They are cosmetically appealing and durable. Ceramic fillings are the most expensive type compared to the other fillings, but they resist stains and are tooth-colored. They also abrasion better than composite fillings.

However, the ceramic filling is more brittle. Therefore, it is only best on large cavities to prevent breakage. Your dentist in Antoine Drive may enlarge the area to make room for the extra bulk.

Glass Ionomer Fillings

Glass ionomer filling is created from a mix of acrylic and glass. Children also get cavities that need to be filled just like their parents. Glass ionomer is applied in children whose teeth are still forming. They are used on primary teeth or to fill the small areas of decay, as they are delicate and wear and tear.

Glass ionomer releases fluoride into the tooth to protect it from further decay. When glass ionomer fillings are used on permanent teeth, they are typically placed in a spot that does not experience extreme pressure when chewing.

Gold Fillings

When it comes to dental fillings, much worse can be done than gold. They are non-corrosive, durable, and can last up to 15 years with proper dental hygiene. However, the durability comes at a price since gold is among the most expensive fillings. Also, they are an indirect type of fillings, so you’ll require to visit your dentist more than once to get your fillings fitted correctly.

Benefits of Dental Fillings

Regardless of the type of dental fillings you get in Central Northwest, Houston, TX, addressing the tooth decay, you’ll preserve the integrity of your gums and teeth. In addition, you’ll also have other benefits that include:

• Tooth Fillings prevent infection
• Tooth fillings help enhance the color of the teeth: They are often used for teeth that are discolored and stained to give your teeth their natural white color.
• Improve tooth functionality
• Tooth fillings bolster a tooth with a weak structure: Composite tooth fillings improve the structure of your teeth.
• Today’s fillings release fluoride into the tooth
• Helps protect your tooth from tooth decay: Your dentist fills the tiny holes on your teeth, preventing them from becoming big.
• Modern-day fillings match the aesthetics of your natural teeth