What is a Dental Filling? Restoring Smiles and Tooth Health

Everyone likes to have beautiful and healthy teeth. But unfortunately, the teeth may get worn out and damaged over time. It could be tooth decay or fractured or broken teeth. Modern dentistry offers a fantastic solution to these: dental fillers.

Let us find out more about the dental filling concept and the need for it. We will also explain the kinds of dental fillings and surgical procedures.

What is a Dental Filling?

Composite filling is a type of dental material used for restoring teeth. The damage it repairs can be in the form of tooth decay (cavities), cracks, chips, or even worn-down teeth. The dentist can then remove the affected part of the tooth. This will leave a hole. Then the dentist will fill the hole with the filling material. It will give back the original shape and strength of the tooth.

Why You Might Need a Dental Filling?

Dental fillings also cover any cavity to prevent further decay. They cover the sensitive inner layers of your tooth. The fillings prevent any kind of irritation or infection. They also enhance the beauty of the smile. They will erase any defect or rough surface.

1. Tooth Decay: This is the most common reason that a person may need a filling. Failure to clean the teeth causes the plaque to harden and cause holes in the teeth known as cavities.
2. Cracked or Chipped Teeth: Chipping of the teeth may happen due to injuries. Biting hard substances or objects or clenching of the teeth. Dentists will repair it with fillings. This is to prevent further damage and discomfort.
3. Worn-Down Teeth: With age, teeth wear out and lose their surface. Food and drinks containing harsh acids can also cause wearing out. Improper brushing can also cause worn-down teeth. Certain fillings can restore the tooth’s structure and help with chewing.
4. Cosmetic Reasons: It is possible to get fillings for aesthetic reasons. Or even filling small spaces between teeth and whitening of discolored teeth.

Types of Dental Fillings

There are different types of filling materials that the dentist may use. The type of filling will depend on their location. Dentists also consider the severity of damage in choosing dental fillings.

• Composite Resin Fillings: They are the most used type of filling today. These are tooth-colored. White composite fillings are very appealing.
• Silver Amalgam Fillings: The composition includes metal alloys. They also use mercury, silver, tin, and copper. Amalgams are strong and very durable. They have an average life span of approximately 15-20 years.
• Gold Fillings: As the name already sounds, gold fillings include gold alloy. They are very strong and can go for more than 20 years. They are durable but the most costly filling type and almost obsolete.
• Porcelain fillings: They consist of porcelain and provide excellent aesthetics and strength. They are wider and can last up to 15 years. Usually, they last longer than composite dental fillings.
• Ceramic Fillings: Ceramic fillings are very hard, and resemble the color of a tooth. They are also less likely to stain but are more expensive than composite resin fillings.

The Dental Filling Procedure

Dental filling is not a very complicated treatment and is not very difficult.

1. Consultation and Examination: Your dentist will examine the state of your teeth. The dentist will then recommend a suitable type of filling.
2. Anesthesia: This depends on the place where the damage has happened. It also depends upon the severity of the damage. With the help of a local anesthetic the dentist, it will make the area around the tooth numb.
3. Tooth Preparation: The dentist will then excavate the decay using a drill or a laser. He or she will take out all the decay to avoid incidences of it reoccurring.
4. Cleaning and Disinfection: The dentist will use a scaler to scrape off the plaque. After that, the dentist will apply a disinfectant to kill any bacteria.
5. Filling Placement: The dentist will put the chosen filling material into the cavity. He or she will then contour it to the desired shape. The dentist will restore the original shape and function of the tooth.
6. Polishing: After the filling has hardened, the dentist will sand the tooth. The next process would be to polish it to make the filling fit. This is to make it comfortable when biting and to also prevent future staining.

Don’t Let Tooth Decay Dim Your Smile

Do not delay your treatment if you think you have a cavity or damaged tooth. Visit Dentistry of Orlando today to book an appointment. Our trained and kind dentists will examine your requirements. They will suggest the required treatment with dental fillings if needed.

We offer a variety of filling materials to suit your preferences and budget. Call Dentistry of Orlando Hansel Ave Orlando FL branch – at (407) 851-5555 or send us an email. Or if you are near Avalon Park Orlando FL, you may call (407) 249-9292 or send an inquiry here. Let’s work together to restore your healthy smile and your confidence!