Are Dental Fillings As Negative As They Are Believed to Be?

What is your first thought when you think of visiting your dentist for a routine visit? You probably think about dental fillings that everyone knows is something that is provided to fix cavities. Besides the basic information, you may not know much about teeth fillings at all. You could be believing some of the common misconceptions that have made fillings acquire a reputation similar to root canals as being painful or extremely negative.

It’s difficult to understand why many people think negatively about fillings. If you are aware that cavities are not good for your teeth understanding that you have one will put some dental anxiety into you but you are suggested to consider fillings positively because it is a treatment offered for the cavity that has developed in your mouth. We are looking forward to correcting the misconceptions and provide you information on how fillings work and why you shouldn’t hesitate to have one if needed.

What Can Fillings Do for You?

The tooth decay you allowed to destroy part of your tooth would have created a hole known as a cavity. The cavity is home to the bacteria that created it. When left untreated the decay spreads in the tooth to damage it entirely. Dentists will clean away the decay inside the cavity before filling it. Eliminating the decay can prevent additional damage but does not fix the damage that has occurred already making the need for fillings imperative.

Fillings can restore the strength and integrity of the tooth and prevent decay from re-infecting the vulnerable area. They can restore the full functionality and health of the tooth effectively and immediately. Dentists can also ensure the fillings match the color of your surrounding teeth to give you an aesthetic appearance that does not disclose the presence of tooth decay in your mouth.

The Insertion of Dental Fillings

When you visit your dentist with a cavity you are likely to be concerned about the types and process of dental fillings knowing full well you are probably going to get one. However, you can rest at ease because dental professionals will ensure the process is comfortable.

Your dentist will first numb the decayed tooth or teeth to be treated with a local anesthetic. The anesthetic will also numb the gums and jaw around the area. The dentist will use a dental drill to remove the decay after confirming that you are fully comfortable.

After the decay has been removed by the dentist and the tooth is prepared the filling will be inserted. The method used to insert the filling will depend on the type of filling you have chosen. Most dentists will offer composite resin or amalgam fillings and given below is a brief description of both these options.

Silver Amalgam Fillings

Silver amalgam is a combination of different types of metals such as mercury and tin. When you imagine getting a dental filling this is the variety you are probably thinking about. However, these are affordable, long-lasting, and easier to place than composite resin but they do not have the aesthetic appearance that you desire.

The dentist will prepare the amalgam with the help of a mixing machine before inserting it into the cavity. The amalgam will be tightly compacted into the cavity by the dentist by making sure no air pockets are present before carving it into shape to match the contours of the tooth ensuring that your bite is proper. Amalgam fillings can help to restore the function of the tooth and protect it from further damage.

Composite Resin Fillings

Composite resin fillings are the most common and are the variety that replicates the color of the teeth. They are durable and if you maintain good oral hygiene they can last for up to 15 years. It is usually in the form of a paste when the dentist begins to insert the filling. When it enters the cavity the paste molds into the precise shape of the cavity.

These fillings are placed in layers until they fill the cavity completely. After the placement of each layer, it is shaped and cured with ultraviolet light to harden it quickly. The process is safe and fast and extremely effective. Eventually, the composite resin fillings seal the cavity completely, appear natural, and restore the function of the tooth effectively.

Why Are Dental Fillings Important?

When part of your tooth is destroyed by tooth decay to result in a cavity it is often sensitive. It exposes the inner nerves and compromises the structural integrity of the tooth. Even when dentists in The Dental Co. Of Leesburg remove the decay from the cavity the hole itself will continue to present a problem to the tooth. Therefore the dentists in Leesburg, VA, restore the functionality of the damaged tooth with one of the types of dental fillings mentioned above.