What are Dental Fillings?
According to the dentist near you in 78613, a tooth filling is a dental restoration that is used for repairing the decayed tooth after removing the infection. When the damage is severe, you may also need a root canal therapy followed by placing a crown on the repaired tooth. It is best to see your dentist at regular intervals so that the decay gets diagnosed in the early stages and the treatment can be done on time.
Importance of Dental Fillings
Dental fillings near you are important for treating the decayed tooth. If they are left untreated, the decay can spread beyond the tooth enamel and reach the soft portions of the tooth. When the decay reaches the pulp, i.e. nerves and blood vessels, it can be too late for getting a filling and you may need a root canal treatment or in worst cases, an extraction may be the only option. That’s the reason dentist near you wish to get cavities filled before they get too large.
During the restoration process, the dentist removes the decay and packs the area with a filling material. There are various types of filling materials and the dentist in Cedar Park, TX, chooses an option based on the location of the tooth, budget, and esthetic preferences. The filling material is then used for reconstructing the tooth so that it can gain its normal shape back and function normally. Once the procedure is complete, the filling helps in warding off bacteria and preventing decay in the future.
Types of Dental Fillings
- Gold fillings
- Silver amalgam fillings
- Composite resin fillings
- Glass ionomer fillings
- Porcelain fillings
Signs That You Need a Filling
According to a Dentist near you, the following signs may be an indication that you need a filling:
- Fractured Teeth
After the cavity, the next major reason why people need fillings is fractured teeth. It can be repaired with the help of composite filling material so that it can blend well with your teeth. The fillings will slow down as well as prevent any further decay and damage to your tooth.
- Wearing Down of Tooth
It is normal for our teeth to wear down as we age. When this happens, the flat edges of the tooth get darken and makes the tooth appear unsightly. Teeth grinding and bruxism can also lead to wearing down of teeth. It can also lead to chipping down and damaged teeth. Opting for a tooth-colored bonding as teeth filling successfully repairs the teeth and restores their surfaces. The tooth fillings can also help in improving your bite and the ability to chew. Once the fillings are good, a night guard can help in preventing further damage.
- Tooth Pain
This is one of the most common signs that you need a tooth filling. Apart from sharp shooting pain, sensitivity to pressure, sweet foods, as well as hot and cold beverages can be a sign that you need a filling. Pain, while chewing or biting, is also an indication that it’s time to get a filling from the dentist near you.
Visible Signs That You Need Fillings
- When certain part tears while flossing
- Dark spots on the teeth
- A rough, chipped, or broken tooth
- A hole that can be seen or felt in your teeth
- Food getting stuck between certain spot
- Broken or lost fillings
When Do Fillings Need to Be Replaced?
Crack or breakage of fillings can make you feel sensitive while having hot or cold food and beverages. If your tooth feels rough to the tongue, it can be a sign that a piece of filling is broken. You must call your dentist as early as possible. A broken filling may be discovered during the routine dental examinations also.
How to Make Fillings Last Longer?
- Brush thoroughly twice a day followed by flossing your teeth.
- Limit your sugar and starchy food intake.
- Drink plain water instead of acidic beverages and citrus fruit juices.
- Avoid biting and chewing hard foods and ice.
- Rinse mouth with alcohol-free mouth rinses for reducing oral bacteria.
- See your dentist at least twice a year for cleaning and examination.
