4 Ways That a Dental Filling Can Improve Your Oral Health
Dental fillings offer an effective treatment option for fixing a damaged tooth. They are used to restore decayed, broken, or fractured teeth. Dental fillings are made of various materials such as gold, amalgam, porcelain, or composite resins. A suitable filling for you will depend on your aesthetic preference, cost, and how much your insurance provider will cover. There are no major risks that are associated with dental fillings. However, be sure to have the contacts of our dentist in Fort Valley, GA, in case you have any complications and questions.
Benefits of Dental Fillings
Teeth are vulnerable to damage caused by injury, cavities, wear and tear, or decay. Dental fillings are used to fill in cavities made after removing the decaying part of the tooth. They not only prevent further dental complications but also strengthen your teeth. Dental fillings will also help you manage proper oral hygiene by entrapping food particles that could have caused cavities. The following are ways in which dental fillings near you can enhance one’s oral wellness.
Prevents Cavities from further developing
The decayed part of the tooth has to be drilled out and the cavity cleaned out during the dental fillings procedure. Your ideal filling is then placed on the pit, sealing it and preventing it from developing further. The dental filling will also protect the nerve endings in the tooth’s dentine.
This will reduce discomfort sensations caused by varying temperatures and acids created by the bacteria in the food particles. Exposed nerve endings can become tender and cause toothaches.
Strengthen Broken and Cracked Teeth
As you age, your teeth are weak and are vulnerable to cracks and fractures. For this reason, composition fillings are used. They will strengthen your teeth and give them much-needed support. Sports and other physical activities can also increase the risk of tooth fracturing. Take precautions such as wearing mouth guards when partaking in such activities to avoid oral accidents and trauma. Biting ice, bones, and crushing nuts with teeth can also fracture your teeth.
Protects Your Teeth From Decaying
Food particles are easily entrapped in holes developed by cavities. With time, this leads to the development of bacteria, pain, and tooth decay. If left untreated, tooth decay can result in further damage. Therefore, dental fillings are used to defend damaged teeth from additional decay. They also help in reducing discomfort and pain caused by the cavities. Despite the dental filling being used, fillings will restore your tooth’s aesthetic and function.
Correct Bad Bites
Damaged teeth will affect not only your teeth’ aesthetic but also their functionality. In addition, it can lead to a bad bite, especially because cavities change the overall structure of your tooth. However, bad bites can be corrected using indirect dental fillings. These are fillings made outside the laboratory and are bonded to your teeth in your second appointment.
How long do Dental Fillings Last?
On average, a dental filling will last for ten years. However, their durability is also determined by various factors such as the type of filling, eating habits, oral hygiene, and dental trauma. It is also necessary to go for checkups as they can help you know when your tooth filling needs a replacement.
Understanding and learning different types of fillings will also give you an idea of how long fillings last. Amalgams, also known as silver and ceramic fillings, have an average lifespan of 15 years. Composite fillings will last for about seven years, while the glass ionomers fill for about five years.
Dental Fillings After Care
The following are how to take care of your dental fillings as our dentist in Whitaker Family Dentistry recommended.
After the procedure, your tooth is sensitive and sore. Be gentle on the surrounding area and avoid touching it for the first 24 hours.
Keep off sticky, chewy, and hard foods. They may damage the filling and cause discomfort. Instead, take soft foods such as pudding, eggs, or smoothies for the first two days.
After the procedure, you may feel sore in your mouth, making you hesitant to brush and floss. Despite the soreness, it is necessary for you to practice proper oral hygiene before bed. Be gentle with the flossing and brushing. Use a soft-bristled brush for this.
If you are experiencing discomfort far more than normal, schedule an appointment with your dentist for a checkup.