Tooth decay can occur even when brushing and flossing daily. You can solve this by visiting your local dentist to get a tooth filling. It will help restore your tooth structure and prevent further damage. Tooth fillings are made with different materials, and some are better than others.
Tooth fillings are amongst the most common dental procedures, and they are for the most part, painless. It takes at most an hour, but a simple procedure can take as little as 20 minutes. Below, we will help you understand everything about dental fillings and the available types.
What Are Dental Fillings?
Dental fillings are materials used to help restore the morphology, integrity, and function of your missing tooth structure. Your tooth structure can be lost due to tooth decay. Dental fillings, therefore, can help repair your teeth, but it depends on the severity of the damage. These fillings can be either single or combinations of glass, plastics, metals, and other materials. Dentists also use fillings to repair broken or cracked teeth worn down due to misuse.
Why Do You Need Tooth Fillings?
Dental fillings have been around for years, and they have helped countless teeth. Some people assume that fillings only occupy the space left after cavity removal. However, that’s not the only reason to get a dental filling. You will need a filling if you have a fractured or broken tooth. Some things that can lead to fractures include a slip and fall, chewing on hard objects, aging, or physical contact. Dental fillings are also ideal for discolored teeth. They can help bring back your teeth to their original state due to excessive damage from acidic foods and beverages. Dental fillings can also be a great solution to protect your teeth from further decay.
Best Types of Fillings
The best types of fillings are porcelain and composite fillings. Porcelain fillings are also known as ceramic fillings, and they are attractive and durable. These fillings mostly come at a higher price, but most people are happy to pay extra for aesthetically pleasing, stain-resistant, and safe fillings. On the other hand, composite fillings are made of acrylic resin and glass. These fillings can be customized to closely match your teeth. They also bond with your tooth structure to provide extra support and strength to your damaged tooth.
Worst Types of Fillings
Silver fillings are amongst the worst types of fillings. These fillings contain 50% mercury and other heavy metals like silver, copper, zinc, and tin. Mercury isn’t safe even though it’s naturally available on earth and enters your body through the food chain. It’s a toxic element that can lead to serious health consequences like muscle weakness, frequent headaches, vision problems, chronic fatigue, metallic taste in the mouth, memory problems, sinusitis, moodiness, and irritability.
No matter the condition of your teeth, you will always find a solution when visiting your local dentist. Getting dental fillings for your teeth will depend on their condition, preferences, and many factors. Visiting a dentist can help you evaluate your options and know the best way forward. Additionally, the dentist can help you restore your teeth using the best dental fillings.
At South Fallsburg Dental, we will assess your personal dental needs and help you find the most ideal solution for your situation and budget. Contact us today to set up an appointment online and get on the road to a strong, beautiful smile. You can also call our office at (845) 434-1202.