You’ve just been told that you will need a cavity filling, but what does that actually mean? It’s important to know what you’re putting in your body, so dive into this reading to learn more about cavity fillings and what they’re made of.
How Does Your Dentist Treat a Cavity?
How you think about cavities may be different from what’s true, so it’s important to debunk myths about cavities. By doing that, it can change the way you understand cavities.
In general, your dentist will clean out the decayed area of your tooth and proceed with inserting the cavity filling in the newly exposed area on the tooth.
The purpose of fillings is to fix cracked, broken, or worn-down teeth.
What Is the Process of Getting a Cavity Filling?
There are a few steps involved in filling a tooth and being aware of these steps can take away most surprises during your appointment.
Step One
First things first, your dentist will utilize a local anesthetic to numb the area encompassing the bad tooth.
Step Two
Next, the dentist will use either one of three instruments: a drill, air abrasion instrument, or laser to rid your tooth of the decayed are.
Local professionals, like Eriks Dental Group, choose the instrument based on not only their comfort-level and expertise of the tool, but also where the cavity is located and the severity of the decay.
Step Three
This third step involves the dentist testing your tooth to make sure all the decay is gone. Once the all-clear is given, the bad tooth will be thoroughly cleaned to help remove the cavity of its bacteria and debris.
By doing so, a space will be cleared for the cavity filling. Under typical circumstances, after the filling has been insert, the dentist will polish it and it will be like you never had a cavity to begin with!
Types Of Cavity Filling Materials
There are many options available for cavity fillings, but what filling you get is dependent upon the location and how bad the decay is, the cost of the material, insurance coverage, and your dentist’s recommendation for your situation.
Cast Gold and Silver (Amalgams) Fillings
Cast gold fillings are durable and can last 10 to 15 years or longer. They don’t corrode and are equipped with strength to withstand chewing forces.
Silver fillings may cause destruction of more tooth structure, discoloration of the surrounding tooth structure, crack and fracture, and possible allergic reactions.
Tooth–Colored Composites
Tooth-colored composites provide further support as it can bond to the tooth structure. Another great advantage of this cavity filling material is sometimes, less of your tooth structure requires removal when cleaning out the decay.
Although it can provide more support, this cavity filling material lacks durability and can be more prone to chipping depending on the location of the decay.
Ceramics and Glass Ionomers
Ceramic cavity fillings are typically made of porcelain and are more resistant to staining. This material is known for its durability.
On the other hand, glass ionomer is composed of acrylic and a particular type of glass material. Glass ionomer commonly lasts five years or less.
How To Care For Teeth With Cavity Fillings
It’s always important to follow good oral hygiene, but it becomes even more important to help maintain fillings.
By visiting your dentist consistently, brushing and flossing every day, and even using an antibacterial mouthwash, can keep your fillings and teeth in great condition.
Local Dentists Near Me
Knowing what cavity fillings are and the different types of filling materials are important for your own personal knowledge and can help you to better care for them.
Do you have more questions related to cavity fillings? Check out our dental tips blog, follow us on Facebook, or call Eriks Dental Group at (561) 733-4004.