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What You Need To Know About Fillings
Fillings are a common dental procedure, and an average American has at least 3 of them. The treatment is quick and relatively painless; most patients can get back to their daily schedule immediately after the visit to the dentist’s clinic.
At Smile Fort Wayne, we always encourage patients to do their research on a procedure before opting for it. The information ensures the patients don’t feel anxious during the treatment and can make the best choices. Here’s a look at everything you need to know about fillings in Fort Wayne, IN:
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What are Fillings?
A filling is a process of replacing decayed tooth material with filler compounds. It helps maintain the structural integrity of the tooth and ensures bacteria can’t get into the sensitive pulp and root of the tooth. Fillings prevent further tooth decay and ensure you can still eat hard or tough food items.
Types of Fillings
There are many filler options to consider before the treatment. The dentist will explain the pros and cons of every compound clearly so you can make an informed decision. Here’s a brief look at these options:
- Gold – Gold is considered the best filling material by most dentists. It lasts for more than 20 years, is resilient, and the body doesn’t react negatively to it. Even people with metal allergies can tolerate gold, which makes it a relatively safe compound for the treatment. Unfortunately, gold is expensive and doesn’t blend in with the color of natural teeth.
- Amalgam – Silver is one of the oldest filling materials. It is durable, resilient, and affordable. If you maintain the filling well, it can last for nearly 20 years without issues. Unfortunately, this compound is dark and highly visible and is only suitable for back teeth.
- Composite – Composite plastic resin fillers are the most affordable options available today. They’re suitable for shallow to mild cavities and can last for 10 years if they’re maintained well. We don’t recommend this material for severe cavities because it has a tendency to chip and can’t offer enough support.
- Porcelain – Porcelain matches the tooth’s natural color and appearance, which is why it is often used in fillings, dental crowns, and veneers. It is more durable than composite and almost as resilient as metal fillings. It is nearly as expensive as gold, but is still popular because it blends in perfectly with the natural dental matter.
These are the most popular options available to patients today. You can discuss your treatment with your dentist and find out more about the cost and effectiveness of these materials during the first consultation.
Which Filling Is Right for You?
Different patients require different kinds of treatments. Your dentist will scrutinize your teeth and consider your priorities before recommending a solution. For example, if you have a deep cavity and a fragile tooth, the dentist will recommend gold or amalgam filling, or encourage you to consider a root canal and a dental crown. If you have a light, shallow cavity, you can get away with a composite filling.
It is essential to discuss your options in detail with your dentist to get the best and most long-lasting results.
The Treatment Process
- The dentist will remove all decayed dental matter with a drill carefully.
- Once the site is clear, they will etch or coat the tooth with resin to ensure the fillers bond with the natural dental material.
- They will apply the filler carefully. Different filler materials require different kinds of application techniques.
- Once the filler is set to the dentist’s satisfaction, they will polish the tooth to ensure it looks and feels smooth.
You need to visit your dentist at least once every six months to ensure the filler is in good condition. Most can last for 10 to 20 years, but they do require regular maintenance and cleaning.
If you want to know more about fillings or want to book an appointment, get in touch with Smile Fort Wayne today. You can call 260 918 7411 or use this contact us form.
