Dental fillings are dental materials that fill and restore defects in teeth, thereby preventing extra damage. They also restore teeth structure for the easy performance of dental functions like chewing and talking. Note that dental fillings can’t fix a missing tooth. You must have an existing tooth for the dental filling to work on parts that need filling. They are best at restoring fair dental damages.
Dental fillings are also effective for cavities. Cavities are permanent holes on the teeth due to bacteria that have eaten parts of the teeth’ surface. When cavities are ignored and left uncovered, they make it easy for infections to get into the tissues and dental pulp inside the teeth’ root canal. In worst cases, the individual might lose the affected tooth. To prevent such extensive damage from happening, dentists fill cavities with fillings.
Cavities are more common in children, especially if the child’s teeth are not protected with a dental sealant. That is because their love for sugary substances creates the perfect environment for plaque-causing bacteria. The good news is that you can also get dental fillings for your child. All you have to do is visit a pediatric dentist in Lincoln.
Furthermore, patients who have suffered from teeth erosion due to chronic teeth grinding (bruxism) can get dental fillings. Due to the constant teeth grinding, the enamel (teeth’ surface) can get worn out. Dental fillings restore the teeth and prevent them from further erosion. However, people with bruxism need to wear mouth guards to protect their teeth and the new dental fillings from wearing out over time.
The Procedure For Filling A Cavity
You can visit us at Lincoln Children’s Dentistry if you need dental filling for your child. We offer high-quality services at pocket-friendly prices. First of all, you would meet Dr. Rebecca Scott for a dental examination to check the extent of the dental damage. The material to fill a defect in the tooth depends on the severity of the tooth damage or decay.
Next, you’ll get a local anesthetic injection to desensitize the affected area and prevent pain during the treatment. If the damage is due to tooth decay, the dentist will debride the extent of decay, disinfect, clean and dry the tooth. Lastly, they will apply the filling material and mold it to fit the tooth’s shape.
The Different Types of Filling
Dental fillings differ in terms of materials. You can talk to your dentist about the type of dental fillings that you want. Dentists often recommend a particular type after they consider several factors. The types of dental filling include:
- Amalgam/Silver Fillings
- Composite Fillings
- Gold Fillings
- Glass Ionomer Fillings
Amalgam Vs. Composite Fillings
Amalgam fillings are different from composite fillings in a few ways. If you are thinking of getting any of the two dental fillings near you, here is what you might want to know about them.
- Amalgam or silver fillings are the most common type of dental fillings. They are made up of a combination of mercury and silver alloy. Composite fillings, on the other hand, are made up of a variety of plastic resin and pulverized glass. They are also common.
- Amalgam fillings are very durable and can last for many years. Composite fillings are also durable, but they don’t match amalgam’s durability.
- Amalgam fillings are not aesthetically favorable. Due to their noticeable looks, people don’t like to place them in visible areas or use them. Composite fillings are very aesthetic and promote a natural blend in dental appearances. That is because they are materials that look tooth-colored, like natural teeth.
Temporary Vs. Permanent Fillings
Just as their name implies, you probably must have gotten an idea of what they are.
- Temporary fillings are only suitable for a little while. They are often used for emergency dental treatments to serve as a placeholder until the patient sees the dentist for proper treatment. Permanent fillings are nothing like temporary fillings when it comes to durability. They are stable solutions for dental damages. If you need to get a permanent dental filling for your child, you can visit a children’s dentist in Lincoln, NE.
