Dental Fillings

Types of Dental Fillings

There are various types of dental fillings. They include:

Composite Fillings

Composite fillings are made of resin and plastic materials. Your dentist will insert the composite filling into your tooth when it is soft and harden it with a bright curing light. Composite fillings are popular because they can be customized to match your natural teeth. They are not conspicuous but are not as durable as amalgam or gold fillings. These fillings typically last for five to ten years, after which you should visit your dentist for replacement.

Glass Ionomer Fillings

Glass ionomer fillings are made from a mixture of acrylic and glass. They are suitable for minors whose teeth are still developing, but can also be ideal for adults, especially in non-load-bearing areas. Glass ionomer fillings release fluoride into the surrounding area, and this can further prevent tooth decay. However, this filling can only last for a few years because it is weak and can wear out or crack easily. They also do not look natural, like composite resin.

Ceramic Fillings

Ceramic fillings are made of porcelain, making them long-lasting and cosmetically appealing. They are expensive but look like natural teeth and resist abrasion and stains better than composite resin. Ceramic fillings are also more brittle and should be used on large cavities to prevent them from breaking. The dental expert can enlarge the treatment area to create more space for the extra bulk.

Silver Amalgam Fillings

Most patients often prefer silver amalgam fillings. These fillings are made of mercury, copper, zinc, tin, and silver. Most patients prefer silver amalgam fillings because they are durable, sturdy, and affordable. A typical silver amalgam filling can last between 10 and 15 years. Most dentists recommend them because they are malleable. Unfortunately, they are not the best option for visible teeth because they are not aesthetically pleasing.

Silver amalgam fillings can also respond to changes in temperature. They expand and contract, causing the teeth to crack. Changes in temperature can create a gap between the tooth and the filling, causing food particles to stick in the gap. This can introduce bacteria and lead to the development of new cavities. Silver amalgam fillings have been declared safe for use despite the allegations that they are not.

Gold Fillings

Also known as gold inlays or onlays, gold fillings are dental restorations used to repair and restore teeth that have been damaged by trauma or decay. Gold fillings are a mixture of gold and other metals like platinum, copper, and silver. They are long-lasting and can last 20 years or more.

Signs That You Require Dental Fillings

Dental health is vital to our overall well-being, but is often overlooked until significant problems arise. The need for dental fillings is rising because of tooth problems, like cavities. If cavities are not treated, what begins as a small cavity can turn into a severe oral health issue. Some of the signs that can indicate you require a dental filling include:

Swelling Around The Gums

Gum swelling is often an indicator of gum disease. It can also be a sign of tooth decay, which has spread into the tooth’s root, forming an abscess. The swelling is often accompanied by redness, pain, and sometimes bleeding. Swelling of the gums is also an indicator of bacterial infection. On the other hand, inflammation can be an attempt by the body to isolate the bacteria and prevent them from spreading. The swelling can occur in one place or the entire gum tissue.

If not treated, the infection can also affect the bone anchoring the teeth. If this happens, you will suffer more severe dental problems like periodontitis. You should consult your dentist immediately if you experience swelling around your gums. The dentist will evaluate the swelling and provide necessary assistance to prevent further complications.

Discolored Teeth

Tooth discoloration can be a sign of tooth decay or infection. Brown, grey, or yellow spots on your teeth can indicate several dental issues, like accumulation of tartar, internal tooth damage, or cavities. Bacteria often cause teeth discoloration. The bacteria metabolize the sugars in food, releasing acids that erode the enamel. As a result, the darker dentine will be exposed. Apart from decay, spots on your teeth also represent stains from tobacco, beverages, or foods. You should consult your dentist if you experience regular changes in tooth color. The dentist will assess your situation and address it immediately. Professional cleanings, dental fillings, and other dental treatments can help restore your teeth to their natural look and health.

Visible Holes In Your Teeth

Small holes can develop in the enamel of your tooth because of cavities. The cavities, or caries, can be visible if your dentist closely examines your mouth and teeth. The holes can be small and visible in the initial stages. However, they can get deeper and wider if the decay is not treated fast.

You can also detect the small holes using your tongue. They often have a rough or unusual texture on the tooth surface. Book an appointment with your dentist immediately if you experience physical changes on your teeth, like dark spots, cracks, or holes. Dental fillings are the best solution in these situations. They are used for sealing the cavity, preventing decay from spreading, and restoring the natural shape and function of the tooth.

Bad Breath

Also known as halitosis, regular bad breath can signify a tooth infection and the need for a dental filling. You could be suffering from halitosis, particularly if a foul taste in your mouth accompanies your bad breath. Tooth decay or bacterial growth in cavities is the leading cause of unpleasant breath.

Sometimes, oral hygiene practices like mouthwash, flossing, and brushing can fail to clear the bad breath. In this case, you will require a dental filling to treat the decay and restore oral health. It is good to act immediately if you experience persistent bad breath because it can indicate more severe dental issues.

Toothache And Tooth Sensitivity

You could have tooth cavities if you experience persistent pain or discomfort when drinking or eating something sweet, cold, or hot. A toothache can be a sign of serious dental issues and often presents as a continuous throbbing pain that does not disappear. A painful tooth can be a sign of a deeper problem, like decay that has spread to the nerve of your tooth.

Tooth sensitivity is often mild but can also be a sign of a serious dental problem. In most cases, tooth sensitivity manifests as a sharp and sudden pain. It can be triggered by sweet, cold, or hot drinks and food. This often indicates that your enamel is worn out and the dentin is exposed. These signs show that a cavity is developing, and you require a dental filling.

The Procedure For Acquiring Dental Fillings

The following are the steps you will undergo to acquire a dental filling:

Initial Assessment or Diagnosis

Diagnosis is the most crucial stage, and the dental expert evaluates your teeth to establish if there is any damage or decay. The dentist will have a look at your teeth and probe gently. In most situations, dentists use dental X-rays. An X-ray will reveal hidden problems, enabling the dentist to develop an appropriate plan to address the issue.

Numbing or Administering Anesthesia

The dentist will put you under local anesthesia to make the procedure painless. It is often administered around the aching tooth to prevent pain from spreading. This will allow treatment to proceed comfortably. Most patients feel anxious about needles, but the whole process of anesthesia is fast. Dentists often administer anesthesia carefully, minimizing anxiety and making the procedure painless. Anesthesia is essential to the entire process; it is gentle and reassuring for the patient.

Removing Decay

Your dentist will cautiously extract all the damaged tissue using specialized dental tools. He/she will perform the procedure while maintaining a healthy tooth structure. The dental expert will remove all the decay to prevent the spread of cavities. He/she should also clean the cavity to remove all the bacteria, ensuring the teeth are free from decay.

Tooth Filling

Your dentist will use the right dental material to fill the cavities. There are quality filling materials like tooth-colored composite resin. These materials provide perfect results and a natural look. The dentist will carefully put the material into the cavity and mold it to the natural contours of your tooth. He/she will then harden the material using a special light to ensure the filling bonds strongly to the tooth. This will restore the functioning of your tooth, enhancing your biting and chewing. Tooth filling also enables you to smile with confidence.

Shaping And Polishing

The dental expert will sculpt your tooth to make it appear as natural as possible. He/she will achieve this by trimming the filling down to the appropriate size to fit your bite and feel comfortable in your mouth. Your dentist will smooth and polish all rough surfaces to the same color as the surrounding teeth.

The shaping and polishing stage prevents plaque build-up and facilitates tooth cleaning. It also enhances the look of the restoration, giving you a natural smile. Expert polishing will make dental fillings on molars durable and appear natural.

The Benefits Of Dental Fillings

Some of the leading benefits of dental fillings include:

Fillings Can Be Preventive

In most situations, dental fillings can be preventive, but this depends on the specific use of a dental filling. Fillings can prevent the need for larger fillings to be performed later. The dentist can recommend preventive tooth fillings if you have fissures or deep grooves in your teeth. You could also be a good candidate for preventive tooth fillings if your teeth are affected by erosion or wear.

Fillings Can Release Fluoride Into The Tooth

The release of fluoride back into the tooth is one of the little-known benefits of dental fillings. Fluoride production is not automatic, but it depends on the specific type of filling. Fluoride helps repair and remineralize decay that remains after filling the tooth. This significantly reduces tooth problems by minimizing bacterial growth and preventing tooth decay. In this case, a filling will solve tooth problems and strengthen the tooth, reducing the risks of other dental issues.

Fillings Protect The Decay From Progressing

If tooth decay starts without treatment, a dental cavity will develop, causing more dental issues. A dental filling removes the decay and stops the cavity from spreading. It also prevents food particles from being trapped in and around the cavity. This restores the teeth and makes it easier to clean.

Treating cavities will stop them from spreading further. Your dentist will clean the cavities before filling them. This removes bacteria that make the cavities deeper and broader.

Dental Fillings Improve The Appearance Of The Teeth

Dental issues are often a significant cause of anxiety for people. Tooth damage can cause anxiety or embarrassment, depending on the severity of the decay or injury. A dental filling can greatly help because it fills the cavity and improves a tooth’s appearance. The dentist can also use a dental filling to cover and reshape your front teeth, giving you the smile you have always desired.

Dental Fillings Restore the Function of Broken Teeth

Dentists often use dental fillings to repair broken teeth. Dental fillings can also be used to restore teeth ground down by bruxism. They can be used for significant tooth repair depending on the severity of the damage. This will help the tooth to regain its natural function and appearance.

Consult your dentist if you have decayed teeth that need restoration. This is the best way to ensure you receive the necessary treatment.

Enhances The Strength Of The Natural Teeth

Your dentist will evaluate your teeth before recommending a filling. Decay often eats away at and weakens the teeth, making them more susceptible to fracturing. Your teeth will be strong after filling because of the material used.

Dental Fillings Are Durable

Dental fillings are durable, usually lasting for years, depending on the materials used. However, you should consult your dentist regularly for a checkup. This will help your dentist establish if your filling is old, has fractured, or requires replacement.

Limitations Of Dental Fillings

Limitations associated with dental fillings include:

Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity is relatively common after a dental filling. Your tooth can be sensitive to temperature, sweet foods, air, and pressure. In most cases, the sensitivity clears by itself within a few weeks. During this period, you should avoid the things that can cause sensitivity. You should also avoid using pain relievers. Reach out to your dentist if the sensitivity persists for a long time or is extreme. The dentist can recommend a desensitizing agent or a root canal procedure.

Deteriorating Fillings

Constant pressure from clenching, grinding, or chewing can cause dental fillings to wear away, crack, or chip. You should have a regular dental checkup because you cannot determine if the filling is wearing down.

Food particles and decay-causing bacteria can penetrate the fillings if the seal between the fillings and tooth enamel breaks down. If this happens, you will risk developing extra decay in the tooth. Untreated decay can spread and infect the dental pulp and can cause an abscessed tooth. There will be insufficient tooth structure to support a replacement filling if the filling is large or the recurrent decay is extensive. In this situation, the dentist can recommend a crown rather than a filling.

Allergic Reactions To Amalgam Fillings

Mercury, or one of the metals used in manufacturing amalgam dental fillings, can cause allergic responses. The signs of amalgam allergy include itching and skin rashes. Most people allergic to amalgam have a family or medical history of metal allergies. Your dentist can use another restorative material once he/she establish an allergic reaction to amalgam fillings.

Pain Around The Fillings

You can feel pain around the fillings in the following circumstances:

• You bite or touch your teeth
• If the decay was deep in the pulp
• If you take a hot or cold drink

Find An Experienced Dentist Near Me

If you notice tooth decay, visit your dentist as soon as possible. Your dentist will evaluate your teeth and recommend the ideal restorative dental procedure. Dental fillings can be suitable if you still have a portion of the tooth left. If the tooth decay has progressed and the infection has reached the tooth pulp, your dentist can perform a root canal treatment and place a dental filling. If you are considering dental fillings, contact Calabasas Smiles Advanced Dentistry. We offer different types of fillings to ensure something for everyone. Contact us at 818-878-7300 to speak to one of our dentists.