5 Main Types of Dental Fillings

What Causes Fragility in Teeth?

The tissues and organs within the human body are supplied with various nutrients that enable them to repair themselves with ease. As a result, certain wounds and injuries inflicted on the bones, skin or flesh can heal themselves through the biological functions of the body. However, the teeth do not have a large damage threshold.

Meaning, although the body has the capability of repairing the enamel to a certain degree, the majority of the damage to the teeth is irreparable. Certain habits and conditions cause the teeth to become brittle. Genetics and accidents also have the potential of causing permanent damages to the teeth.

Tooth sensitivity is also a major problem affecting people causing them to experience some discomfort after having a spoonful of soup, or ice cream. It can be a chronic or temporary problem and to some people, some or all of their teeth might be responsive to stimuli of hot or cold temperature. You can imagine how this can interfere with a person’s lifestyle.

Causes of Tooth sensitivity

• Eating or drinking acidic substances
• Using hard-surfaced toothbrushes
• Poor eating habits and mineral deficiency
• Gastroesophageal reflux
• Tooth decay
• Thin enamel
• Old age
• Chipped or broken teeth

Dental Filling Treatment

Many adults and children suffer different dental health problems despite observing the hygiene and dental care procedure. For this reason, it is important to schedule frequent dental visits to your dentist to prevent further damage to the teeth. Cavities, tooth decay, cracks, and broken teeth are some of the problems experienced by patients.

A dental filling is a treatment option a dentist recommends to restore parts of a tooth damaged by cracks, decay, or cavities, the reason being it helps preserve the tooth. To fill the holes, and cracks on teeth, a dentist can use different types of materials depending on a patient’s preference.

Main Types of Dental Fillings

When it comes to the type of dental fillings to use, patients often have a variety of options to choose from. Different materials including gold, nickel, silver, composite, or glass ionomers can be used to make the fillings. Therefore, it is important to consult with a dentist near you to determine the type that suits you.

• Composite fillings: These are filling materials made of a mixture of glass or quartz to create an aesthetically pleasing filling that is naturally colored to match a person’s teeth.
• Silver amalgam filling: These are dental fillings whose materials comprise a mixture of metals such as mercury, copper, silver, or zinc. As the name suggests, amalgam fillings are silver in color but this should not be a concern because the material used has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
• Glass ionomer fillings: These are filling whose materials are made from acrylics and specific components of glass. Glass ionomer fillings are mostly recommended for children who are still experiencing teeth shredding to prevent further decay.
• Gold Fillings: These are strong and non-corrosive fillings that can last up to 15 years.
• Porcelain/ ceramic fillings: These filling are aesthetically appealing, durable, and resistant to stains.

Dental Filling Procedure

• Planning and consultations: A dentist will need to examine the patient’s teeth to determine the best course of action to take.
• Administering anesthetic: The tooth to be filled will need to be numbed so that the patient does not experience pain and discomfort during the procedure.
• Cleaning: A dentist will need to clean up the damaged tooth and remove the bacteria and debris before the filling material I applied.
• Placement of the filling material: The dentist will then place the filling material on the teeth and polish it to conclude the procedure.

Once the dental filling procedure is complete, a patient needs to schedule follow-up appointments to inspect the progress of the teeth and prevent any damage to the filling. For this to be successful, most individuals prefer working with dentists within their area.

Meaning, a person residing in Ridgewood, NY would prefer working with a practice offering dental fillings in Ridgewood, NY, or centers offering dental fillings near Ridgewood, NY. Today, you can get to see the reviews of practicing centers and dentists near you before working with them. All you have to do I specify what you are looking for and where you are.

For instance, by searching for “practitioners offering dental fillings near me” and you will be presented with options of certified dentists near you. Remember, observing good oral practices, flossing regularly, and frequently visiting your dentist are some of the ways you can maintain healthy dentine.