Dental fillings are a type of restorative dentistry treatment used to repair minimal tooth fractures, tooth decay or otherwise damaged surfaces of the teeth. Dental filling materials, which include composite, porcelain and silver amalgam, may be used to even out tooth surfaces for better biting or chewing. Enamel loss is a common component of tooth decay, and may result in tooth sensitivity. In many cases, tooth sensitivity caused by enamel loss will be significantly improved or completely eliminated once an appropriate dental filling material is placed. But in some cases, depending on the extent of tooth decay or damage, the affected tooth may require additional or alternative procedures, including:
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- Dental Crowns and Bridges: Teeth requiring more support than offered by a traditional filling may require a dental crown
- Dental Implants: Irreparable tooth damage requiring tooth extraction may require an implant or bridge.
- Root Canal Treatment: Infected, abscessed or nerve damaged teeth may require a root canal procedure.
There are many filling choices from amalgam to composite to suite your dental needs. Pl. discuss the needs with the doctor for your overall aesthetic look and feel of the filling. Partial tooth loss resulting from decay or accidental damage can often be repaired with a composite resin filling. Unlike traditional silver (amalgam) fillings, white fillings are essentially invisible. They are most often used to repair front teeth that have been chipped or decayed and teeth with small or moderate amounts of decay.
White fillings can be used in back teeth depending on the amount of damage and decay. However, they are not as strong as crown restorations. They are generally not a long-term solution for large fillings or below-gumline decay in the back of the mouth. White fillings also bond best to enamel, a condition that can be difficult to meet in severely decayed teeth. What are the benefits?
- Non-metallic, no mercury.
- Low thermal conductivity and less sensitivity post-operatively.
- White fillings come in a variety of shades and can be matched to the color of your smile.
- A tooth needs [less preparation] for a white filling than for a silver filling.
Video of Dental Fillings
Dental Sealants are highly effective in preventing decay on the biting surfaces of your chewing teeth. Dental sealants are a simple procedure in which a tooth-colored acrylic coating is painted onto the surface of the tooth. This effectively seals the deep grooves, acting as a barrier and protecting enamel from plaque and acids. Sealants are very effective in dental caries prevention, saving money, time and avoiding the discomfort after associated with dental fillings. Since sealants are easy to apply the procedure takes only a few minutes to seal each tooth. Sealants hold up well under the force of normal chewing and can last many years before a reapplication is necessary. Children and adults can both benefit from sealants in the fight against tooth decay. There are many reasons one should get sealants:
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- Lessens the instances of tooth decay, so you can avoid costly and uncomfortable cavity treatments down the line.
- Prevents tooth aches
- Sealants are very thin, so they are virtually un-noticeable.
- Generally last between five to ten years.
- Sealants are checked at every appointment, and re-applied if no longer in place.
Video of Dental Sealants