5 Benefits of professional teeth whitening
May 7, 2018
Dental filling: What to expect
November 1, 2020
Our teeth are sturdy and are designed to survive whatever you throw at them. They can last your entire lifetime. However, not everyone is privileged to have a full set of teeth until old age. In fact, statistics show that most adults lack at least one tooth.
Old age is no longer the leading cause of tooth loss, but cavities have been the plague that has caused many people to lose their teeth. We live in an era that consumes a lot of highly acidic foods (sugary foods). Couple this with poor oral hygiene, and you will find yourself looking for our dentist in Dallas, TX.
However, living in this technologically advanced era comes with its perks. Tooth decay can actually be treated, and our dentist can restore your smile in no time. This is why you need to visit our dental clinic near you regularly to keep the cavities at bay.
About Fillings
Generally, when you eat food, the food can get lodged in the deep grooves and fissures on your teeth. If you cannot remove the food debris from your teeth, bacteria will have a field day with your teeth.
We have good and bad bacteria residing in our mouth. Good bacteria prevents cavities, but harmful bacteria cause the cavities. When bacteria are digesting the food, they release certain acids that erode the enamel. Over time, you will start feeling the effects of the cavities.
This is where dental fillings come in handy. Instead of waiting to extract a severely damaged tooth, our dentist in Dallas can save your teeth using a dental filling. When you come to our dental clinic near you, the damaged part of your teeth is removed. Then, fillings will be used to “fill” the hole that remains after the decayed portion of the tooth is removed.
Are fillings necessary?
Primarily, cavities destroy the hard outer covering of your tooth (enamel). If tartar (hardened plaque) is not removed, the bacteria erode the tooth until the teeth’ inner and softer parts are exposed. This becomes the ideal breeding ground for bacteria.
The teeth’ structural integrity gets compromised, and your teeth stop functioning as they are supposed to. Also, you run the risk of getting an abscess (a pocket filled with pus). This is a severe infection that causes your gums to swell and can be life-threatening. Hence, the need to get the decayed part of the tooth removed.
What Happens At the Dentist’s Office?
Once you get to our dental clinic near you, our dentist will examine your teeth. After examination, the area close to the decayed tooth will be numbed using local anesthesia. This will numb the gums as well as the jaw. After the anesthesia kicks in, our dentist in Dallas starts drilling to remove the decayed part.
After the area has been cleaned and all the debris has been removed, your preferred filling will be placed.
Types of Fillings
You have a variety of options when it comes to fillings. Fillings are fashioned from different materials. Some of the things that you need to consider before choosing a particular type of filling are:
- Location of the filling
- Cost
- The extent of the damage
- If you are allergic to certain materials
These are the common types of fillings
Amalgam Fillings
Amalgam fillings are made from a blend of silver with other materials. To most people, these fillings are not aesthetically pleasing because of their conspicuous greyish hue. However, they are resistant and sturdy filling.
Porcelain Fillings
Porcelain fillings are quite common. Most people like using them because they are aesthetically appealing and mimic the look and feel of your teeth. They are stain-resistant, especially stains that are caused by coffee, tea, or tobacco.
Gold Fillings
They are considered to be the best fillings because they are durable. They can last over two decades. Gum tissues can tolerate them, so most people will not have gum irritation. You will need two visits to get this filling.
Composite Fillings
These fillings are made from resin (hardened plastic). As compared to the other fillings, they are pocket-friendly. They are tooth-colored, just like porcelain fillings. However, they are not as strong as the other options. They tend to wear out faster than the other fillings.
With dental fillings, you have the option of saving your decayed tooth. You can call us today at Connie J Smith DDS to schedule an appointment.
