Dentist

Fillings are very common with dental work, as they offer a way to
repair a tooth with decay or a cavity. When repairing a tooth with a
filling, the dentist will remove the decayed area of the tooth, clean
around it, and then fill in the area removed with a special material
that will cater to the shape and form of the tooth.

Fillings close out the area where the bacteria enter into teeth,
helping to prevent any type of decay in the future. The materials used
for fillings include porcelain, gold, composite resin, and amalgam.
There is really no best type of filling material, as several factors
come into play. Your reaction to different materials, the shape of the
tooth, extent of repair, and placement of the filling are determining
factors as to what material your dentist uses for your filling.

A laboratory makes gold fillings, and then the dentist cements them
into place. Gold material fits well with the gums, and can last you
for many years. Many consider gold to be the best, although it is also
the most expensive and will require you to visit the dentist several
times before the filling is complete.

Silver fillings on the other hand, are less expensive than gold
materials, and they can be quite resistant to wear. With their color
being dark, they are easier to notice than composite or porcelain
fillings, and aren’t recommended for visible areas of the mouth,
especially the front teeth. Composite fillings are a common type of
material, as they match the color of your teeth. The material that
makes up the composite filling is mixed then placed directly in the
cavity, where it hardens. They last several years, although composite
isn’t recommended for large cavities, or areas where they may chip.

The final type of filling is porcelain. Porcelain is very common, and
produced in a lab where it will be matched to your teeth then bonded
to the affected tooth. Porcelain fillings match the color of your
teeth, and are resistant to any type of staining. The costs for
porcelain fillings can be very expensive, some cost as much as gold
fillings.

If a cavity, decay, or even a crack has managed to damage a large area
of the tooth, you may need a crown or a cap. If the decay reached the
nerve, you may end up needing a root canal to get rid of the dead
pulp. When the dentist decides he can fill your tooth, he will remove
the cavity then fill the hole with one of the materials listed above.
Depending on your insurance and what you can afford, you can choose
which one you want or take his recommendation. In most cases,
porcelain or composite fillings will work. Gold fillings are popular,
although most people want a filling that will match the natural color
of their teeth.

Keep in mind, only a dentist can make the decision regarding fillings.
When you visit for your routine checkup, the dentist will look in your
mouth and use instruments that will let him examine the surfaces of
your teeth. If he finds any cavities, he will usually recommend a
filling. You won’t feel anything, as he will numb the area he fills.
It normally takes less than an hour, and you’ll be up and at ‘em
before you know it. A filling is great for cavities, as most look
natural, and they won’t result in the loss of your tooth.

Welcome Back. Take care of Your Teeth.