In America, it’s estimated that 1 in 4 people struggle with tooth decay. Dentists use different forms of treatment to counter this issue among patients, dental fillings being one of the most popular. Let’s discuss the common questions asked about dental fillings.
When Are They Required?
Dental decays have become quite common in today’s world. Tooth decay occurs due to the build-up of plaque. Poor oral hygiene and high consumption of sugar content in the daily diet, i.e., sweets and high sugar beverages, are the main factors of tooth decay. An average American consumes about 152 pounds of sugar each year, equivalent to 6 cups per week, surpassing the daily nutritional requirement.
Symptoms of tooth decay may include:
- Toothache
- Discoloration of teeth
- Tooth sensitivity
- Bad taste or smell
Broken teeth due to physical trauma also lead to relying on dental fillings. Furthermore, teeth that have worn down caused by the misuse also require fillings.
What Is The Procedure?
The dental filling procedure first requires the region of the tooth decay to be numbed using anesthetics (it is better to talk to your dentist regarding your medical history, to prevent any complications). While the area gets numb, the dentist and the patient together choose the shade of the feeling that will best match the natural teeth of the patient. The next step involves the decayed area removal, after which the dentist may clean the surface to remove any bacteria and debris.
Next, the dental filling is prepared. This part may require the doctor to use different materials based on the person’s choice. The prepared material is applied to the cleaned area. The dental filling is hardened using specialized ultraviolet light. Finally, the dentist handles the shaping of the filling into a natural look based on the original tooth shape.
What materials are used?
Dental fillings have a century-wide history in which newer materials were introduced. One of the materials quite used in the past as a dental filling on posterior teeth was silver amalgam. The compound was made of metals, i.e., mercury, silver, zinc, copper, and tin. Silver amalgam usage was considered safe and affordable for a long time, however, all progressive dentists have replaced the silver fillings with tooth color fillings that are safer, more esthetic, and laster a longer time. Progressive dentists are now choosing to provide tooth color fillings on front teeth as well as posterior teeth to restore the natural and youthful look that the patient once had.
How to Care For Your Dental Fillings
To maintain your dental fillings, a practice of good oral hygiene is a must. Brushing daily and using fluoride toothpaste helps maintain the dental filling for longer periods.
Having a dentist examine your teeth twice a year can also prevent you from needing dental fillings or to lead to the preservation of the dental fillings you have. Now that you have understood what dental fillings are, why not let us have a look. Advanced Dentistry Center has only progressive dentists that provide you with solutions for your natural-looking dental fillings as well as options to any other kinds of dental concerns, from esthetics to periodontics, to dental implants to oral surgery, or just teeth whitening or teeth straightening, we offer it all at Advanced Dentistry Center in Bingham Farms, MI. Get in touch to learn more.