Do You Have a Cavity? Try Dental Fillings

Do You Have a Cavity? Try Dental Fillings

Mar 19, 2021

Dental cavities affect all people; both adults and children, but mostly kids. These tiny holes form without any symptoms and that is why you need to get regular dental checkups. This increases the chances of the dentist detecting the problems and starting treatment on time.

When you have mild to moderate cavities, the dentist will remove the infected part and replace the area with dental fillings.

What are Dental Fillings?

Teeth fillings are restorations that are used to cover the decayed part and restore the function and strength of the teeth. Our Mississauga dentist can also use fillings to repair cracked, broken, and worn down teeth.

What is the Best Material of Dental Fillings?

Teeth fillings are available in different materials that you can choose from. None is better than the other, the best option will depend on the cost, the number of affected teeth, and their position. The different materials include:

  • Amalgam fillings. An amalgam filling is a mixture of metals like alloys of silver, tin, and copper, zinc, and mercury. These filings are durable compared to the composite ones. There have been concerns about the mercury content. But, the American Dental Association and FDA have reported that the fillings are safe to use.
  • Gold and silver fillings. These are most expensive and durable. These fillings are ideal for the back teeth because of the appearance and also, they can withstand the chewing and biting pressure. These metal fillings can last for 10 to 15 years before they need replacing.
  • Composite fillings. These fillings feature a combination of glass or quartz fillers. They can be altered to look like your natural teeth. They are fairly durable but are ideal for small or mid-size restorations. They are mostly used on teeth that do not get a lot of pressure.
  • Ceramic filling. These are tooth-colored fillings that are as expensive as gold and silver fillings. They are also stain-resistant but are not as durable. The primary benefit of ceramic restorations is that they look like your natural teeth.
  • Glass ionomer. These are made from a blend of glass and acrylic. They release fluoride that helps to protect the teeth. But, on the downside, they are less durable than the rest of the types. Plus, you may need to replace them every five years.

What is The Process of Fixing the Fillings?

Dental fillings in Mississauga need only one dental visit and they are fixed in a few steps:

  • The dentist will begin the process with a comprehensive assessment to check the extent of the decay. He will help you choose a suitable dental filling.
  • Next, your gums and soft tissues are numbed to ease the discomfort.
  • The dentist will use a drill, laser, or air abrasion instrument depending on the location and the extent of the decay.
  • The decayed part is removed and cleaned. The dentist will probe the affected area to check if decay is still present.
  • After cleaning the area, a dental filling is fixed in the teeth to restore the teeth’ function and strength.

If you choose a composite filling, the process is a bit longer, because the fillings are applied in layers. Each layer is hardened using laser light and it is reshaped to the desired result. The excess material is trimmed and polished to match the rest of the teeth.

Are Dental Fillings Painful?

No. The dentist will use local anesthesia. Also, if the decayed area is near the root, a glass ionomer or composite material is used to protect the nerve.

What to Do and Not Do After a Dental Filling?

Watch what you eat after the fillings are fixed. Take liquid or soft foods 24 hours after the fillings are fixed. Avoid eating chewy, sticky, hard foods at least two weeks after the restorations are fixed. Also, stay away from hot and cold food or drinks to prevent tooth sensitivity. But, continue to maintain your standard oral hygiene practice.

Schedule an Appointment

Visit Pearl Dental Care for more information on the teeth filling process.

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