Depending on the severity of decay or cavity damage, your dentist may need to remove some of the damaged material before replacing it with fillings. In their practice, the dental team ensures that patients receive the best treatments for their individual needs.
There are various filling materials to select from, including silver amalgam (which contains mercury but it isn’t dangereous), gold and composite resin. Your dental professional can provide information and recommend the ideal material based on your individual needs and budget, as prices for these materials and teeth whitening services may vary. Many people find it beneficial to consult with their dental team about their available options.
Why do I need a filling?
Dental fillings are an integral component of oral health. Made from metal or resin materials, these fillings are placed inside your teeth to replace decayed areas and protect the enamel against further damage.
Tooth decay is caused by bacteria that feed off leftover sugar and food debris, producing acid which eats away at your enamel (the protective layer on your teeth), leading to cavities forming on them.
Regular dental checkups are key for long-term dental health as this allows your dentist to identify signs of decay early and treat any potential issues before they develop into more serious problems. Without such services in place, untreated cavities could result in toothache or infection which would require tooth extraction as soon as they appear.
Your dentist will perform an examination and take x-rays to assess any damage to your tooth, then administer local anesthetic before beginning any filling procedures to help reduce any discomfort during this process.
One of the main reasons that you require fillings is due to tooth decay (commonly referred to as cavities). When small holes appear in your teeth, this indicates a problem. A drill will then remove decayed areas before filling them in with filling material.
Your dentist may recommend composite resin or amalgam as the preferred way to repair small cavities, since both materials match the color of your tooth and are more appropriate in small situations than more traditional procedures.
Your dentist or dental professional must thoroughly clean the cavity and surrounding areas prior to inserting a filling, in order to eliminate any remaining decayed areas and ensure that the filling bonds with your tooth tissue correctly.
Filling material is used to fill cavities left by damage or decayed teeth and then sealed off to keep bacteria at bay. Following installation of your filling, it’s wise to maintain a balanced diet and visit your dentist regularly in order to reduce further decay from occurring in future visits.
What is treated by a filling when you should get one?
Teeth fillings are used to treat tooth decay or cavities, in which soft tissues within a tooth become damaged and decay occurs. This procedure entails using filling material to replace decayed material within a tooth before topping it off with a dental crown for ultimate protection.
Before beginning the teeth filling procedure, an anesthetic will be used to numb the area around the affected tooth and gums in order to ensure you remain pain-free during this step of the procedure. This should help make you feel comfortable throughout.
Once your dentist has successfully extracted any decayed tooth material, they will clean and dry out the cavity before selecting an ideal filling material to match your individual needs and preferences.
Silver amalgam, composite resin and porcelain are popular filling materials that offer various advantages over alternative options, including biocompatibility and superior cosmetic results.
Composite resin fillings are composed of plastic and silica that mimics the natural properties of enamel, offering excellent stain-resistance while matching your natural tooth color exactly. Composite fillings have been known to last over 15 years!
Metal amalgam, which consists of gold and silver amalgam, is another cost-effective choice that can last for 12+ years.
Amalgam fillings may be a good choice for back molars as they are strong and durable enough to withstand significant wear-and-tear. Furthermore, their easy application means less risk of sensitivity compared with other materials.
However, they may not fit as snugly. If you experience any discomfort, contact your dentist immediately.
Tooth sensitivity following fillings is common, often as a result of nerve irritation, gum inflammation or drill-induced drilling to place the filling. It’s important to maintain open communication with your dental team to address any concerns and ensure optimal post-filling care.This issue usually resolves itself within weeks, given that proper dental hygiene practices are maintained during this period.
If your tooth sensitivity persists after several weeks, make an appointment with the dentist immediately. They will be able to assess your situation and decide whether a root canal or desensitizing toothpaste would best address the situation. During these appointments, they can also make sure that tooth fillings and other dental treatments are in good condition.
What is treated by a dental sealant and how does it work?
Dental sealants are an effective preventive treatment against tooth decay. When applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth (molars and premolars), dental sealants have proven very successful at protecting them against cavities. Cosmetic dentistry involves the use of sealants and other treatments to not only maintain oral health but also enhance the colour and appearance of teeth.
Sealants not only prevent tooth decay but can also help combat gum disease, which may eventually lead to tooth loss. Dentists recommend applying sealants as preventative measures for young children and teens at risk of cavities. Composite filling, an aesthetically appealing type of tooth filling, is often used to provide a natural touch to the treatment.
An initial step in dental sealant treatment involves thoroughly cleansing the area being addressed. An acid solution will then be used to roughen up the surfaces of teeth so they will adhere better with sealant material and ultimately become easier to seal over. Once this step has been completed, a dentist will apply sealant material directly onto each surface tooth and cure it with special light for final curing.
Sealants are made from plastic that dentists apply in molten form before hardening with ultraviolet light to provide strength and durability. Once applied, they bond securely to the chewing surface of teeth for several years until needing to be reapplied again.
Dental sealants generally last between one to five years depending on how well you care for your teeth and exposure to food and liquids. Regular visits to your dentist allow him to check on it and reapply it if necessary.
Children typically get their first permanent molar sealed shortly after it erupts from beneath the gum, usually between ages 5 and 7. This may occur anywhere from 5 months to 1 year later.
Dental sealants can help protect vulnerable areas in the mouth from tooth decay by providing extra protection from bacteria and food particles. When applied properly, dental sealants provide maximum protection from decay in these vulnerable spots of adult molars as well as baby teeth depressions or grooves.
This treatment can be an effective way of preventing tooth decay, though it won’t completely stop it. Brush and floss regularly while also avoiding foods that damage teeth. Ask your dentist to examine for signs of additional issues that might require further dental work.
Where can I get a filling in London?
There are various places you can get your teeth filled in London, but only professional dentistry should ever perform this service for you. Fillings not only serve to repair tooth decay but can also enhance cosmetic appearance. We recommend getting a dental filling at Forest and Ray.
There are various forms of fillings, but the most popular one is composite resin fillings. This material is created and shaped in the dental lab before being attached to your tooth using bonding agents. With this type of restoration material at his/her disposal, your dentist can craft the most aesthetically pleasing and natural-looking restoration possible for your restoration needs.
The composite material used for this treatment is extremely durable and may even last 10+ years before cracking or chipping occurs. Unfortunately, however, cracks or chips often occur with this type of filling over time.
White fillings generally do not cause any sensitivity, as the composite material used does not breakdown like metal fillings do.
As such, this means you won’t require as frequent dental repairs as if your teeth had metal fillings – an advantage which will save money over time.
Further, this material allows you to have your tooth repaired without being exposed to potentially hazardous substances, like mercury found in metal fillings – something which could become problematic later.
Composite material offers another key benefit for fillings: its adaptability can match up perfectly to any of your natural tooth colors, making it a particularly appealing solution for anyone seeking fillings that will blend in seamlessly into their smile.