What are Tooth Fillings: Types, Procedure, Advantages & Aftercare Tips

What are Teeth Fillings?

Dental fillings are artificial dental restorations that fill the spaces caused by broken, decayed, or damaged teeth. They help to restore the normal shape and working of the affected teeth. Fillings can be single or made using a combination of glass, metal, plastic, and other materials.

Types of Dental Fillings

Checkout the different kinds of filling available:

1) Ceramic Fillings

Ceramic fillings are aesthetically pleasing and usually manufactured using porcelain material. Unlike composite resin fillings, these tooth-colored fillings have high stain and abrasion resistance.

2) Silver Amalgam Fillings

Silver amalgam fillings are the most common fillings available today. They are a combination of zinc, copper, tin, and mercury. Although these fillings are affordable, durable, and robust, they are not suitable for visible teeth because they are not aesthetically pleasing.

3) Gold Fillings

Gold fillings are rarely used in dentistry. They are costly, non-corrosive, and strong. These dental fillings need more than a single dental visit to fit correctly.

4) Composite Fillings

Composite dental fillings are manufactured using resin and plastic material. These are an excellent choice for many because the dentist can closely match them to the shade of the teeth. But composite dental fillings are not durable and more costly than amalgam fillings.

5) Glass Ionomer Fillings

Glass ionomer fillings are made using a combination of acrylic and glass. They are an excellent option for kids if their teeth are changing.

The Procedure for Getting Teeth Fillings

The steps for this in-office dental procedure will differ depending on the materials used and the location of the filling. The general steps include:

• Firstly, the dental professional put a numbing gel on the gums.
• Now, he/she uses local anesthesia.
• The expert will use a dental drill or other dental tools to eradicate the decayed portion of the tooth.
• Our dentist in Boynton Beach, FL 33426 then fills the tooth hole.
• Now, the dental expert will polish the tooth filling and adjust it as required.
• In the case of a composite dental filling, he/she cures and hardens the material using a special light.

Benefits of Dental Fillings

Below are the advantages of getting fillings:

a) Enhances the Tooth Structure

Composite dental fillings boost the tooth structure. It’s because it causes no damage to the tooth during the application.

b) It Stops Cavities

With time, small holes occur on teeth. These collect food bits and debris and result in decay. A composite filling helps to seal these holes effectively.

c) Repairs Fractured Teeth

Teeth get fractures due to trauma from physical activities, age, or chewing on hard things. White composite fillings help to repair and strengthen fractured teeth.

d) Improves the Teeth Shape

Red wine and coffee consumption lead to staining on the teeth. Bruxism also causes teeth to lose their natural shade. Composite dental fillings help to treat discolored and severely stained teeth and improve their appearance.

Aftercare Tips for Dental Fillings

Let us check out the tips to consider after getting fillings:

-> Do Not Eat Immediately After the Filling

Avoid eating sticky and hard items after the procedure. These include tough meats, candies, hard nuts, caramels, etc. Rather, choose soft food varieties like pudding, smoothies, eggs, etc.

-> Avoid Tobacco and Smoking

Stop the use of tobacco and smoking till your mouth heals because they enhance the risk of mouth infection and cause irritation.

-> Do Not Irritate the Affected Region

Do not do anything that causes damage or irritates the affected site.

-> Wash Your Mouth a Couple of Times

Wash your mouth with salt water or mouthwash containing no alcohol.

-> Brush and Floss

It is also necessary to gently floss and brush to maintain a healthy mouth after the dental filling procedure.

Visit a Tooth Filling Dentist Near You

Getting early filling treatment minimizes the development of cavities and other health issues. Although there are different types, each of them differs in strength, and shade and has its advantages and disadvantages. Our dental experts at Quantum Dental use state-of-the-art filling treatment to prevent and address cavities. Call us or book an appointment with us to get tooth fillings in Boynton Beach, FL!