With today’s advancements, no longer will you have to suffer the embarrassment of unsightly and unhealthy silver/mercury dental fillings or metal margins of the past. Eliminate your teeth’s dark, black appearance with new-age, state-of-the-art, tooth-colored resin or porcelain materials.
Why Do I Need A Dental Filling?
We use a dental filling to restore a tooth with dental decay. When bacteria build up on your teeth, acid is released from the bacteria. The acid breaks down the outer protective layer of your tooth, the enamel. If you don’t brush away the acid and bacteria, the acid forms a hole or cavity in your tooth. This cavity fills with bacteria. Eventually, the cavity grows, and parts of the tooth die off. If the decayed portion is not removed, the hole will continue to grow. The bacteria and decay can then spread to other teeth and your gums. Spreading puts you at risk of developing decay on multiple teeth or gum disease. If the decay reaches the inner portion of the tooth where the nerves and blood vessels live, you may need a root canal, or worse, the infection could spread systemically and cause heart disease. As you can see, it is essential to remove dental decay right away to prevent further complications.
What Is Dental Filling?
The concept of a “filling” is replacing and restoring your tooth structure that is damaged due to decay or fracture with a material. Our dentists use composite, tooth-colored fillings. These filings are durable and are not noticeable to the naked eye. Some patients have old dental fillings that were made of amalgam or metal. We will replace old, broken-down amalgam/metal dental fillings containing mercury traces with white fillings (composites) to restore your smile and teeth to a more natural look and feel.
How Is A Dental Filling Placed?
Your dentist can place a dental filling in one appointment. We will first remove the dental decay to place the dental filling. We will first numb the nerves around the tooth to make you comfortable during the procedure. If needed, your dentist can also give you a sedative, such as laughing gas, to make the procedure more comfortable. Then, your dentist will remove the decay with a drill. After removing the decay, we will place the composite resin in the tooth. Once formed in the cavity, he will bond the resin in place. After a few finishing touches, your dentist will restore your tooth. Many patients love tooth-colored fillings because they look and feel almost like their natural teeth.
What Is An Inlay Or An Onlay?
Some patients may have heard that they will receive an inlay or an onlay is a dental filling. These are both types of dental fillings. A tooth’s eating surface has peaks and notches. A peak is called a cusp. An inlay is typically smaller than an onlay. An inlay can fill the cavity between the cusps, whereas an only fills a hole that includes a cusp. Essentially, an inlay and onlay are the same to the patient because they are both dental fillings that replace tooth decay.
How To Prevent Dental Filling
The best way to prevent needing a dental filling is to prevent dental decay. Our dentists recommend that patients follow a regular oral health routine. Patients should brush, floss, and use mouthwash twice a day. Additionally, patients should visit our office every six months for a dental cleaning and exam.
Dental Fillings In Longview, TX
If you have dental decay, you must visit your dentist soon to receive a dental filling. If dental decay is untreated, you could develop several complications. Call our dental office in Longview, TX, today to schedule an appointment for your dental fillings.
