Dental Fillings

Dental Fillings: A Quick Overview

Dental fillings are used to repair minor tooth decay and damage by “filling in” the damaged area. The filling material, which is usually plastic, composite resin, or porcelain, is molded into a shape that effectively fills in the cavity. Once in place, the filling restores the tooth’s appearance and functionality.

Different Kinds of Dental Fillings

There are several different types of dental fillings you can get at your dentist’s office. The most common type is tooth-colored fillings. These dental fillings are made out of composite resin.

Tooth-colored dental fillings are typically used for the back teeth, since they match the color of your natural teeth. These fillings can also be used to repair teeth that are chipped, broken, or cracked.

Composite Fillings

When placing a filling, the dentist will first remove the decay and clean the area. Then, they will place a thin composite resin onto the tooth and sculpt it to look like a natural tooth. The resin will be hardened with a curing light, and the dentist will polish it so it feels comfortable.

Amalgam Fillings

Amalgam fillings are made of different metal alloys, including tin, silver, copper, and mercury. The filling material can be mixed to the exact color of your natural teeth. For this reason, amalgam fillings are the preferred choice for many people.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Dental Fillings

Dental fillings restore both the form and function of your damaged tooth. The restoration is necessary for decay, which occurs when bacteria in your mouth convert sugar and starch from the foods you eat into harmful acids. The acids can cause erosion, which is the loss of tooth enamel.

The dentist will remove the decay from your tooth and then fill the tooth in layers. Most dental fillings are made of tooth-colored composite resin, which blends perfectly with your natural enamel.

Caring for Dental Fillings

Good oral hygiene practices can help extend the life of a dental filling.

Regular dental exams are recommended to detect any early signs of infection. Fillings also require regular maintenance, and your dentist may recommend dental checkups every 6 months to 1 year.

To care for a dental filling, be sure to brush at least twice a day and floss daily. Avoid biting down on hard objects like ice or pencils. A high-sugar diet can lead to tooth erosion, so limit your intake of sweets.

Are you interested in dental fillings? Contact a dentist to learn more.

When a Dental Filling Needs to be

When a filling needs to be replaced, patients are usually experiencing pain, sensitivity, or problems with chewing. A cavity (or decay) is what is causing the damage to their tooth and filling. It is important to get this addressed quickly so further issues do not arise.