Tooth decay destroys your tooth leading to the formation of severe cavities. Your enamel can be destroyed, exposing your nerves and compromising with your dental shape. Decayed teeth are sensitive and vulnerable to bacterial infections. Fillings are vital in restoring your tooth functioning and dental structure. At Lincoln Children’s Dentistry, we use tooth fillings to correct your child’s severely decayed or damaged tooth. Our fillings restore the shape, functions of the tooth, and prevent further decay.
Our specialists scale-out the affected portions and reverse the action of tooth decay. The dentist near you will consider various aspects before choosing the ideal filling material for you, including the extent of your repair, reaction to allergies, and where the material will be applied.
What You Need to Expect During Your Appointment
Your dental specialist can perform the same-day procedure by taking digital X-rays before filling your cavities. During the process, your teeth are made numb to lessen discomfort. The decayed material is scaled out using specialized tools and composite resin fillings or preferred material is used to seal your cavities. Fillings are vital in repairing your damaged teeth due to grinding or dental injuries.
After applying tooth fillings on your teeth, you will likely experience pain and sensitivity, but the discomfort will fade away with time. Observing your routine oral care practices is crucial, and your specialist may recommend you to use enamel shield toothpaste to protect your teeth from sensitivity. It’s essential to use recommended toothpaste to floss and brush your teeth. The non-invasive procedure is simple, and it requires a single appointment.
Common Types of Dental Fillings
There are various options that your dentist can use for your tooth fillings, based on your condition and the aesthetic preferences.
Some of the materials used include silver amalgam, gold, porcelain, and tooth-colored composite material. The materials used vary in color and strength. Below are some of the teeth filling approaches used:
- Composite fillings are made of resin material and can match your tooth color. The composite resin fillings are durable and useful in restoring small-sized sections that handle moderate chewing.
- Ceramic cavity fillings are teeth-colored porcelain fillings used to address your dental stains.
- Amalgam Fillings are robust and ideal for sealing dental cavities in the back of your mouth, where intense chewing occurs. They are made of multiple metallic elements to cover your molar and premolar chewing grooves and prevent decay.
- Gold or silver amalgam fillings are used to provide you with an aesthetic outlook. The materials are durable and can serve you for about 15 years before replacement.
- Glass Ionomer fillings are made by blending acrylic and glass to create cavity fillings that release fluoride and protect your teeth from decay. They need to be replaced after five years.
When Do You Need to Replace Your Cavity Fillings
Tooth fillings are prone to damage, but they can serve you for years before replacement. If you clench your teeth, you might require earlier replacement of your fillings. It’s essential to visit your dentist if you identify signs of wear on your fillings. Replacement of cracked or worn fillings can prevent severe oral issues. Continuous usage of cracked fillings can lead to extensive procedures due to severe damages caused. There are potential complications related to fillings, and it’s important to regularly see your dentist for dental exams to repair and adjust them. Some of the possible complications include:
- Cracks, fallouts, and breaks cause damages. Your fillings can be damaged if you bite on hard items or through mouth trauma. It’s vital to seek immediate help from your dentist if you experience irritation or infection on your tooth fillings.
- Oral infection may cause your tooth filling to pull away from your tooth, leading to grooves’ formation. The created spaces act as a breeding site for bacteria that leads to further decay. You need to undergo repair to seal the spaces and prevent tooth decay.
At Lincoln, NE, our dental specialists use fillings to prevent the action of bacteria and plaque build-up. We reinforce your tooth and protect it from severe infections. Tooth fillings keep your tooth protected from cracks, chips, or being broken due to mouth trauma. Cavities can result in severe complications, and you need tooth fillings to ensure you preserve your dental from infections and maintain your natural tooth functionalities.
