Dental Filling Healthy and functional teeth are important for an individual's overall health. Dental cavities and decay cause bad breath, tooth sensitivity, and affect your ability to chew food. Over time, these cavities grow deeper into the root of your teeth, resulting in tooth loss. The good news is that you can curb this problem with dental fillings. Ortega Family Dental can help you deal with cavities and decay by providing dental fillings that will make your teeth as good as new.How Do I Know I Need a Filling?Tooth decay, if untreated, will cause tooth loss. The decay usually penetrates deeper into the softer tissues of your teeth. By the time it reaches the pulp, the damage is severe, leaving a root canal or tooth extraction as the only solutions. Regular dental exams will help in the early detection and treatment of cavities. You should come in for a checkup if you experience a toothache, or sensitivity to hot, cold and sugary foods. A stain around your tooth may also indicate the presence of a cavity. Our team can examine and confirm the presence of a cavity or any other issue, and treat it accordingly. Types of FillingsTypes of dental fillings vary depending on the material. They include amalgam, composite, resin, gold, and porcelain filling. Amalgam fillings contain a mixture of metals, including copper, zinc, mercury, and tin. These fillings are durable and affordable. Composite fillings are a mix of acrylic resin and powdered glass. Unlike amalgam fillings, composite fillings can match the tooth color through shading, making them less visible. However, they are less durable compared to amalgam. Resin fillings are delicate. If used, they should be subjected to little or no pressure. Gold fillings are indirect fillings made of gold. They are the most durable type of fillings. They also require more time to place, compared to other fillings. Porcelain fillings, just like gold, are indirect fillings. They are durable and have a natural appearance that blends well with your teeth. What Should I Expect When I Get a Dental Fillings?Dental fillings are a quick and simple procedure. To start with, our professionals will examine your teeth to check the extent of the cavity. Depending on the damage, we may administer local anesthesia to prevent pain. Our team will then drill your enamel to remove the decay, sterilize the area, and fill it. To ensure a correct bite after filling, our team will polish your tooth. Management After a Tooth Filling ProcedureAfter a tooth filling, you will likely experience some tooth sensitivity and tenderness of your gums once the numbness fades. To ensure your comfort, our team will give you some anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen to reduce sensitivity. You will also need to exercise gentleness during brushing and chewing. The sensitivity will usually fade within two to four weeks. Tooth loss is irreversible, but can be prevented through prompt dental exams to detect any presence of decay or cavities. For more information on how you can treat your dental cavities through the use of fillings, contact Ortega Family Dental at (904) 914-4008 today. |