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TOOTH FILLINGS
REPAIRING CAVITIES WITH FILLINGS
Fillings are used to repair a tooth that is affected by decay, cracks, or fractures. Fillings are designed to protect the remaining healthy tooth structure from further damage. They also seal the tooth to help prevent bacteria from entering the tooth, which can cause further decay. Your dentist will remove any decayed and affected parts of the tooth, before filling any holes and cracks with a composite (tooth colored) filling. It is a very simple and straightforward procedure that can be done in a single visit to the dentist. Dental fillings are for anyone who has a cavity or a hole in their tooth. It is a simple, affordable, and relatively painless way to restore the strength and function of a tooth.
WHAT ARE DENTAL FILLINGS?
Dental fillings are a common treatment for cavities, and one that many of us have experienced. Dentists recommend dental fillings to help restore the strength and function of a tooth. There is a variety of filling materials available, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Your dentist will be able to advise on the best option for restoring your teeth. Composite fillings are the most widely used today, thanks to being tooth colored. These fillings can be closely matched to the color of your existing teeth, and well suited for use in front teeth. They are very durable, and will last many years, giving you a long lasting, beautiful smile. However, as with most dental restorations, they may someday need to be replaced. Silver amalgam fillings are a popular alternative.
HOW DOES A DENTIST PERFORM A TOOTH FILLING?
When performing a filling, your dentist will first numb the area around the tooth, and then remove the decayed material. The tooth is then filled with a special material, such as composite resin, and shaped to match your other teeth. The dentist will then use a special light to cure the filling. Fillings do not usually hurt, as the area is numbed before the procedure begins. However, you may experience some sensitivity and discomfort in the days following the treatment. After the procedure, your dentist may recommend that you avoid eating hard, sticky, or chewy foods for a few days, to allow the filling to settle in. It is also important to practice good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day.
WHAT ARE THE ALTERNATIVES TO DENTAL FILLINGS?
The alternatives to tooth fillings include dental crowns and root canals. A crown is a cap that is placed over the entire tooth, while a root canal involves removing the infected pulp from the inside of the tooth. Both of these treatments are more involved and more expensive than a filling, and are usually only recommended if the cavity is too large to be filled. Woodbourne Dental offers a range of different material choices for dental fillings, so that you can choose the one that’s right for you. Whether you need a composite resin filling, porcelain filling, amalgam filling, gold filling, or glass ionomer filling, we can help. Your trusted dentist at Woodbourne Dental can advise on the various filling materials that are available to you as an NHS or private patient.