Different Types of Dental Fillings and What to Expect

According to statistical data, a bigger percentage of people in the U.S. have their cavities filled at least once in their lifetime. A Dental Filling procedure is a procedure where the dentist removes the decayed part of a tooth, refills it, and puts it back to its normal function and appearance. A replacing material is put on the area where the decayed part has been removed so as to prevent the tooth from further damage. It is a common dental procedure since it’s simple and straightforward. You can get your tooth filled by a dentist near you.

Types of Dental Fillings in Roswell

There are many available options for tooth fillings. However, the type of tooth filling to be used depends on your preferences, the location of the cavity, and the extent of the repair. The materials used for dental filling placement vary in color and strength. The common types of dental fillings are amalgam and composite. Visit our Roswell dentist to get any of the following fillings.

• Amalgam Fillings:

They are the most used material for cavity filling. It is strong, resistant to wear out, and least expensive. Due to their strong character, they are used for filling cavities in molars where food is chewed in the mouth. Although they can last up to 12 years or more, they have a disadvantage. Amalgam fillings have a dark color that is not aesthetically pleasing;hence are not the best choice for a highly visible area.

• Composite Fillings:

Composite tooth fillings are made of resins and plastic material and are sometimes referred to as filled resins. It is a preferred choice because they are matched to the color of your tooth. Composite fillings are less durable and do better in small restorations. They are normally replaced every five to 10 years.

• Glass Ionomer Fillings:

They are good for children whose teeth are still shedding. Glass and acrylic blend release fluoride, which helps protect teeth. They are weaker than other types making them less durable.

• Gold Filling:

It is the most expensive type of filling and needs as many visits to your dentist as possible to get the filling fitted properly. However, it is strong and doesn’t get damaged easily. A gold tooth filling can last for more than 20 years.

• Ceramic Fillings:

They are normally made of porcelain and are usually called inlays and onlays. Ceramic fillings are tooth-colored and withstand staining than composite resin. The ceramic filling restoration covers a larger area of the tooth. It needs to be larger to prevent it from breaking since it’s brittle. Their cost can be relatively as expensive as the gold ones.

What to Expect When Getting a Filling

When getting a filling, you will be at your dentist’s office for an hour or more. This is to give your dentist time to complete the dental work. The area where the filling is being done is numbed to avoid pain during the procedure. Next, your dentist will drill to remove the decay from your tooth. He or she will shape the area for filling preparations. The cavity is then replaced with a filling of your choice. The procedure usually takes a few minutes. If you need a dental filling, visit a dentist in Roswell, and you will be served with high-quality services.

What is it Like After I Get a Dental Filling?

Once you get your filling done, you might remain numb and encounter some sensation changes in your mouth for a few hours. If you experience pain after two weeks, you need to visit your dentist’s office again. The dentist might use a different type of filling or adding a base to the tooth. When the filling is too deep, our general/emergency dentist in Roswell may recommend a root canal treatment.

How to Take Care of Dental Fillings

Handling your dental fillings with care will help them last longer. This is by:

• Brushing your teeth and tongue after every meal with a toothpaste containing fluoride and flossing daily
• Avoid chewy or sticky food
• Use your teeth for their correct function and avoid opening bottles, sachets, or cutting nails with your teeth

It would be best if you were to avoid too hot/cold food and beverages.