Restorative dentistry іs an extensive field with various options for patients seeking tо restore damaged teeth, with tooth fillings being one оf the most widely-practiced procedures yet highly-effective solutions. In this article, we'll focus оn just one: fillings.
Modern composite resins allow dentists tо precisely match restorations with existing teeth іn terms оf hue and translucency - virtually indistinguishable from natural tooth structure compared with silver amalgam fillings which remain noticeable оn molars. This technology represents a substantial advancement over its predecessors such as silver amalgam.
If you're looking for a dentist іn your area tо restore your teeth, consider searching online for "dentists іn my area." You can also ask for recommendations from friends, family, оr your primary care physician.
What is a Dental Filling?
Fillings are restorations designed to repair holes and decay in your teeth. In addition, dental fillings may also help close spaces between teeth, repair cracked or chipped tooth enamel and improve the aesthetics of your smile.
Start by using local anesthetic to numb the area before cleaning and shaping your tooth, followed by applying composite resin material in layers using special lights, hardening it over time until your restoration fits your bite perfectly. Finally, it will be polished to finish it off!
Indirect fillings typically require two office visits: one to take an impression and another for placement of the indirect restoration. Inlays and onlays, similar to direct fillings but designed for more extensive damage such as cusps (bumps) on chewing surfaces like your molars. They tend to be made from porcelain which provides durability and stain resistance compared to direct fillings but tend to cost more. A popular alternative are glass ionomer fillings which release fluoride long after installation to combat tooth decay pro-actively.
How Does a Dental Filling Work?
Fillings restore the function, integrity, and morphology of missing or decayed teeth by restoring function, integrity, morphology and appearance to them. They also help prevent future damage while eliminating further intervention as part of dental restorations procedures - crowns (tooth-shaped caps that cover damaged tooth surface areas), bridges (false teeth to span gaps between natural teeth), and implants (tooth replacement solutions) fall under this heading.
Prior to placing a direct filling, your dentist will numb the affected area with local anesthetic, which may produce a brief stinging sensation before taking effect.
Once decayed areas of your tooth have been removed with a drill or another specialized tool, they will use an acid gel cleanser to keep any infection at bay while also prepping it for composite filling material. Once placed, this filling material will be "cured" using special lights before being polished for final presentation.
What are the Benefits of a Dental Filling?
Fillings provide essential protection from further decay damage to teeth, reduce sensitivity and restore function and aesthetics. Different restoration options such as silver amalgam, composite resin, porcelain and glass ionomer restorations may be available to treat tooth decay.
Modern materials offer many advantages for dental treatments, including aesthetic appeal, conservative approaches, durability and mercury-free options. Composite resin restoration is one such example that offers many benefits. It consists of acrylic resin mixed with powdered glass material which can be colored and shaped to match each patient's teeth exactly.
Dental fillings also help relieve sensitivity caused by decay that damages enamel, which covers nerve endings. The procedure itself should be painless; after treatment instructions should be carefully adhered to in order to reduce decay underneath and around teeth and maintain good oral hygiene practices. Regular check-ups with professional cleaners will allow you to quickly detect any issues with restorations.
What Are the Alternatives to a Dental Filling?
Modern dental fillings provide you with numerous solutions for meeting your tooth restoration needs. Their goal is to restore natural tooth shape and size while also being durable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing; making them an attractive alternative to the more invasive amalgam filling that requires more tooth structure for placement. Modern alternatives may include composite resin, glass ionomer cement, porcelain ceramic or even gold fillings as these alternatives are used instead.
These materials vary widely in composition, strength and solidification rate as well as cost and aesthetics, so it's essential that you discuss all the options with your Whittier dentist to select the most effective restorative solution for your tooth.
Composite resin is the go-to material, since its plastic composition allows it to blend naturally with your teeth for an aesthetic effect and doesn't contain mercury, which may cause concern among patients. Less common but equally effective options include an inlay or onlay restoration that can be tailored specifically to suit your mouth's unique requirements.
