Everything You Need to Know About Dental Fillings

A perfect smile is all it takes to give you that extra boost of confidence in your day-to-day life. If your teeth are riddled with cavities, dental fillings are the solution to bringing back their health and sparkle.

Dental Fillings Defined 

Dental fillings are used in dental restoration treatments to repair and rebuild the overall structure of teeth. They “fill” in damaged portions so that the widening of holes or “cavities” is impeded. At the same time, they are used to mend cracks and fractures caused by tooth-grinding and natural wear-and-tear over time.

Tooth-Filling Procedure

First, your dentist will apply local anesthesia on the area surrounding the tooth marked for filling. It takes less than 30 minutes for it to fully take effect. The moment that it does, the decayed parts of the tooth are removed via a laser or a dental handpiece. Next, the remaining sections are cleaned with a cleansing acid gel to get rid of bacteria as well as debris.

The tooth has to be isolated from moisture (i.e., saliva) for the composite material to fill the cavity and bond to the tooth completely. Afterward, a bonding light is utilized to further harden the composite agent.

However, if the decay has reached the root, a composite resin or a glass ionomer will be placed as a protective lining for the nerve in the initial stage of the procedure. It is soon followed by the aforementioned filling process.

As a final touch, the restored tooth is polished.

6 Benefits of Dental Fillings

1. Stop Cavity Growth

Once cavities appear on teeth, they are almost impossible to reverse. Their effects can only be slowed down. Through filling treatments, cavities can be stopped by removing the portions of teeth that are already plagued with decay.

Since filling techniques involve decay removal, cavities will no longer expand, and future cavity growth will be less likely as well (granted that you continue to practice proper oral hygiene).

2. Match the Color of Your Natural Teeth

Innovations in dental technology have brought forth treatments that offer natural-looking teeth restoration outcomes. Although there are different types of tooth-colored fillings in Concord, MA, composite resin variations have been enhanced to blend in with the rest of your teeth. Only your dentist will be able to tell which ones have fillings and which ones do not.

3. Long-Lasting

Another amazing advantage of fillings is that they can last for up to 15 years. And depending on the filling quality you opt for, that number can increase even more. This is because fillings are corrosion resistant. The more impregnable variations can withstand certain degrees of abrasion and pressure, so much so that they retain their binding and integrity throughout a lengthy period of time.

As an indirect benefit, you will not have to spend too much on return check-ups for the purpose of refilling the same cavities. Count that as fewer dental expenses on your end in the long run.

4. Strengthen Teeth

Besides closing gaps caused by tooth decay, fillings also strengthen the repaired tooth. Tougher filling materials such as porcelain and amalgam are utilized, especially on molars and/or back teeth because of their durability.

Moreover, materials like glass ionomers are able to release fluoride. Fluoride serves as an early cavity preventive shield as it can combat oral bacteria that deteriorate teeth. Plus, it has the capacity to re-mineralize enamel that has been weakened.

5. Better Tooth Function

In parallel to enamel reinforcement, fillings are a tooth decay treatment that improves tooth function. Dental decay makes teeth and the nerves therein feeble and sensitive to any amount of chewing pressure. When left unchecked, cavities will eat away the enamel and cause your teeth to become increasingly sensitive.

Dental filling treatments eliminate bacteria and decay while bolstering teeth. If chewing becomes a chore due to decaying teeth, filled pearly whites are the answer to a stronger, less sensitive bite.

6. Prevent Infection

In cases where root canal therapy is conducted on a patient, targeted teeth and gums become bare and exposed, on account of the removal of the inflamed pulp, along with the disinfection that follows it.

To allow the affected area to heal properly and quickly, temporary fillings are positioned over them. The exposed tooth will be less susceptible to infection, and the nerves underneath will be given time to recover until they are ready for a permanent filling.

For more information about dental fillings or to schedule an appointment, contact Concord Woods Dental Group.