How You can Choose the Right Type Of Dental Filling Material?

How Dental Fillings Help Your Teeth?

Tooth decay is one of the problems facing children and adults alike. If not treated properly, the decay can lead to serious dental problems like loss of teeth. The best way to address the cavities is to get tooth fillings near you from a dentist. These restorations will repair the teeth and prevent the infection from spreading.

Decay, or tooth decay, is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults. It’s caused by bacteria which can produce acids that eat away at the tooth’s enamel – the hard part of the tooth that protects your tooth’s roots. Dental fillings repair the damage that decay can cause to a tooth. They restore the tooth’s strength after a tooth has been weakened by a cavity.

You will need to have a filling done if you have cavities, cracks, or if your tooth is broken or chipped. In such cases, you must have a filling done because it will protect your tooth from further damage.

How to Choose a Tooth Filling Type?

The primary factor of consideration when choosing dental fillings is the type of material used.

There are different types of dental fillings available in the market. It depends upon the type of damage you have in your teeth. Our dentist will choose the appropriate filling, depending on the location of the affected tooth and the preference:

Amalgam Fillings

Amalgam fillings are mercury-based and are made of metals like tin, copper, and silver. Our dentist will place amalgam over the entire cavity. After the procedure, the mercury in the amalgam will be absorbed into your tooth. However, our dentist can also use amalgam as a temporary filling. In this situation, a special adhesive will hold the amalgam in place until it sets.

Composite Fillings

Composite fillings are made from resin and fillers. The resin is a mixture of chemicals that hardens when exposed to light. The fillers are generally of different shades so that composite fillings can blend into the tooth. Composite fillings are tooth-colored, so they’re less noticeable than other types of fillings.

If you have a cavity in your tooth that’s not very large, you might consider a composite filling. Composite is also a great option to preserve your tooth’s appearance.

Metals

Metal fillings are often made from silver, gold, or amalgam. These metal fillings are durable, but they are expensive and last for a long. These filings are often used on the back of the teeth because they can withstand the biting pressure.

What to Expect When Filing a Cavity?

Before our dentist fills your cavity, you’ll need to ensure your mouth is healthy. Our dentist in Plano, TX, will perform a thorough dental examination to look for cavities or gum disease signs. He also checks your gums and teeth for damage. The results of your examination will be used to determine your treatment plan.

Next, our dentist will begin your procedure. Our dentist will explain what’s going to happen during the filling procedure. Our dentist will remove the decayed tooth, clean the area, and place a filling into the cavity. Our dentist will fill the cavity and secure the tooth, and ensure your cavity is filled and secure.

When to Replace a Cavity Filling

The teeth filling can last for a couple of years, but they wear out, and If you notice any of the following signs, it may be time to replace your cavity filling:

• Toothache
• Discoloration
• Teeth that become loose
• Gum recession
• Tooth sensitivity
• Pain when chewing or biting. If you have a hole in a tooth that hasn’t been filled, it may be time to repair the defect.

How Long Do Fillings Last?

Whether composite resin or amalgam, dental filling materials last for around ten years. However, metal lasts longer than composite resin.

Schedule an Appointment

Call or book an appointment with Arte Dental for more information about dental fillings in Plano, TX, and what you can expect during the filling procedure.