Do you have fractured, worn-out, or broken teeth? You may need dental fillings to repair the affected tooth and prevent bigger problems down the road. Dentists often use fillings Hawthorne to treat a cavity; they remove the decayed tooth portion and apply the filling in layers. Without early intervention, the decay can set in, necessitating more complex procedures such as root canals or tooth extraction. Below are the types of fillings material available today.
Types of dental fillings
Several dental fillings are available, including porcelain, gold, silver amalgam, or composite resin. Glass ionomer can also be used for fillings; this material contains glass particles and is used in similar ways to composite resin fillings. The filling material that is best for you depends on the location and extent of the decay. You also want to consider other factors like your budget and your dentist’s recommendation.
The different filling materials have their perks and limitations. For example, cast gold fillings are durable and strong, and some patients find gold more pleasing to the eye. On the downside, gold fillings are more expensive than other materials, up to ten times higher than silver amalgam fillings. Additionally, they require at least two visits to your dentist. And while some patients like the appearance of gold, most dislike metal fillings and prefer fillings that closely match the rest of the teeth.
Silver fillings are also durable and strong; they last 10 to 15 years and can withstand chewing forces. They may also be less expensive than composite fillings. However, silver fillings do not score highly on aesthetics since they are of a different color than your teeth. They also destroy more tooth structure since healthy parts of the tooth are often removed to create a large space to hold the filling.
Tooth-colored composites are the most preferred material since they offer great aesthetics; they are particularly suited for front teeth or visible parts of teeth. This material is also versatile since dentists use it to repair broken, chipped, or worn-out teeth. On the downside, they are less durable and require additional visits.
Steps involved in filling a tooth
Using a local anesthetic, your dentist numbs the area around the tooth to be filled so you don’t experience pain during the procedure. Next, your provider uses a drill, air abrasion, or laser instrument to remove the decayed portion of your tooth. The type of instrument your dentist uses depends on your comfort level, the dentist’s training, and the location and extent of the decay.
The dentist will probe or test the area to ensure no decay is left. Once all decay has been removed, your provider will clean the cavity of bacteria and debris before filing the space. If the decay is close to the root, you will place a liner to protect the nerve; the liner can be made of composite resin, glass ionomer, or other material. Your dentist will then apply tooth-colored material on the cavity, layer by layer, using a special light to harden each layer. After the multi-layering process, your provider will shape the filling material to the desired result. They also trim off excess material and polish the final restoration.
If you have cavities, visit your dentist at Dr. Michael Hoang, DMD, for a filling to prevent further damage.