Filling in the Gap: Things You Need to Know about Dental Fillings
Whether we like it or not, there are times when our teeth may experience damage that may limit the way we present ourselves to people. While most people are very concerned about their dental health, some may overlook the usual dental care routines, causing cavities or cracks.
Of course, no one wants to walk around with broken teeth, which is why we have our dentists do all the heavy lifting for us and apply all the needed fixes to make our teeth look good as new.
One of the procedures they specialize in would have to be the application of dental fillings. They are placed within a broken spot on our tooth that may have experienced heavy damage or cracks due to cavities and accidents.
The procedure is quick, usually lasting about 10 minutes to an hour, depending on your tooth’s current damage. Of course, the smaller it is, the faster the procedure.
If you happen to have a rough tooth of your own and you want to undergo the same procedure, here’s a quick guide to help you get started:
They Are Made up of Different Materials
Dental fillings can be made up of different materials. Depending on your preference and your dentist’s advice, you can have one made up of porcelain, gold, silver amalgam, or composite resin.
There are multiple materials to choose from because they all tend to the various conditions of a damaged tooth. This means that if one material does not make your tooth look as good as new, you may rely on the others to accomplish that.
Take note, however, that there are times when the material to be used will not depend on your choice. Your dentist will still have the final say as they know which one will be most compatible with your tooth’s condition.
They Also Come In a Variant Known as Indirect Fillings
If the damage is severe enough for a routine dental filling to fail, the dentist will rely on indirect fillings to repair it. This is a procedure that will require two visits to their clinic. The first visit consists of a method in which the dentist will remove all of the possible cavities that may have manifested on your tooth.
After that, they will create a molding out of the space made by the clear-out that they just did. Before you go home, they will place a temporary filling on it so you may still eat your meals normally until your next visit.
On your second appointment, they will remove the temporary piece and cement the new indirect filling made from the mold taken in your previous visit.
They Come with Pros and Cons
Yes, all the materials to be used on your tooth are durable enough to support your bites and chews, but that doesn’t mean that they do not pose any disadvantages. For example, gold is expensive, silver amalgams may cause discolorations, and ceramics also cost as much as their golden counterparts.
On the other hand, their pros may include their durability that would last for more than a decade, their resistance to straining and hard food, and their customizable nature allowing for a color match with your other teeth.
Conclusion
Dental fillings are an innovative solution that your dentist may apply to your damaged tooth to make it usable and presentable once again. While they may not be as removable as dentures, they are a far more permanent solution that may even last for decades with the right amount of care and maintenance.
Ask your dentist to learn more and familiarize yourself with the materials used, types, and their pros and cons to determine which one would work best for you.
For the best dentist in Denver for reliable dental filling services, look no further than our experts here at G-Dental32. We specialize in a wide range of dental services, including general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, oral surgery, among other things. Contact us today so we can help you get back your irresistible smile!
