For several reasons, it’s crucial to take proper care of your dental and oral health. In addition to keeping your teeth as strong and healthy as possible, it also has a favorable effect on your general physical health. Unfortunately, incidents do occur occasionally that could harm your teeth. You could also develop an oral bacterial infection that can cause cavities and tooth decay.
Your dentist would likely suggest having some type of dental treatment to offset and restore your teeth’s healthy disposition. Dental fillings treat cavities early, preventing further decay and helping maintain tooth strength and overall structural integrity.
Read on to learn more about what dental fillings are, the different types of dental fillings and common signs that you may need one or more fillings.
What Is a Dental Filling?
Over 90% of Australians have been affected by dental cavities at some point in their lives. Your teeth can develop tiny holes called dental cavities. Cavities can develop due to bacteria, food, genetics, and poor oral hygiene, all of which affect overall oral health.
Dental fillings can be compared to a patch of asphalt on the road that is your mouth. If roads are not adequately sealed, cracks that form over time may become potholes. Cracks and potholes should be filled with cement to prevent further damage and debris buildup that can weaken pavement integrity.
You can use the same principle while maintaining your teeth’s health. Teeth may suffer traumatic injuries from blunt force trauma or cavities from neglecting oral and dental hygiene.
What Are the Different Types of Dental Fillings?
Dental fillings and applications have evolved tremendously since they were first invented in the 1500s. Since then, dentistry has advanced, offering various types of dental fillings made from different materials with slightly different functions.
Dental fillings can now be customized to match the size, shape, and color of surrounding teeth, improving both function and appearance.
- Silver Amalgam Filling
Made of a combination of several metals, including silver, copper, mercury, tin, and zinc, silver amalgam fillings are known as such. They are highly resilient and, given the right care, can resist the constant pressure of chewing on various crunchy, hard, and chewy foods for at least a decade or longer.
Silver amalgam fillings were once the most used fillings in dentistry, but their use is gradually declining due to its obvious and unpleasant cosmetic drawbacks.
- Gold Fillings
Gold fillings are one of the most extravagant dental filling alternatives on this list and were once used to demonstrate elitism and luxury. Whereas the price and ostentation of gold fillings were once praised, they are now more offensive to most people who aren’t famous musicians or celebrities. Gold fillings are strong and long-lasting.
- Composite Resin Filling
Composite resin fillings, which match tooth color, are gradually replacing amalgam fillings as the preferred dental filling material worldwide. Composite resin fillings are less durable than silver amalgam and need more frequent replacement, but they blend naturally with surrounding teeth. Nobody will notice that you’ve undergone dental work.
- Porcelain Fillings
Porcelain fillings is a more discreet method since they may be specially manufactured to match the color of the natural teeth on either side. They can also last up to 15 years with proper maintenance and are incredibly strong and adaptable. For the procedure, you might need to schedule multiple appointments for better results.
What Are Some Common Reasons That You May Need a Dental Filling?
Dental Filling is one of the most common aesthetic and corrective procedures carried out by dentists and by other dental health practitioners. Before the procedure, dentists check symptoms and conditions to determine if a tooth filling is the right treatment for the patient. Below are some of the primary things that a dentist would lookout for before performing a dental filling procedure.
Fractured and Damaged Teeth
- Cavities
- Chipped or Broken Teeth
- Discoloration
- You’ve Lost a Filling and Need It Replaced
Need a Dental Filling? Book an Appointment at MS Dental Care
MS Dental offers Family friendly Regular and Emergency Dental Services in Cardiff, Fletcher, and Mayfield. Our experienced team ensures every patient enjoys a comfortable visit while building trust and lasting relationships from booking to treatment completion.