
admin
May 27, 2024
Most people get affected by dental cavities that can be identified as small holes on teeth surfaces. They result from a lack of oral hygiene and poor dietary habits that lead to a build-up of plaque in the mouth. Cavities can cause unbearable pain and impact dental health. If the condition worsens and is left untreated, it can also lead to tooth loss. Thus, they must be diagnosed and treated at the earliest. Dentists use dental cavity fillings to repair the holes in the teeth by filling them with materials that keep the tooth protected from further damage.
If you suffer from sensitivity or pain, you must check your teeth for decay. Improper brushing and binging on sugary foods and drinks are the main culprits of tooth decay. Thus, if you have not been careful with mouth cleaning and maintaining a healthy diet, you must know about treating caries.
Here is a comprehensive guide to dental cavity fillings. It will help you understand the remedy, its types and its significance.
Dental fillings are divided into different types based on the material used to fill the holes on the tooth’s surface. The most common types of fillings include amalgam, glass ionomer and resin composite. The amalgam filling is made up of a mixture of metals like silver, zinc, copper and tin and appears silver in colour. The glass ionomer is made from silica glass powder and looks like the natural colour of the tooth. The resin composite filling is also tooth coloured in appearance and comprises a resin base combined with powdered quartz, glass or silica.
Besides these direct fillings, there are indirect fillings that are prepared in the lab by your reliable dentist in Hope Island and then placed on the tooth to be repaired. They take an impression of the affected tooth to prepare a customised filling that fits into the tooth. Two types of materials are used for indirect fillings. These include gold and porcelain. The gold filling comprises various metals, including gold, silver, copper, tin and palladium, whereas the porcelain filling consists of minerals like quartz, kaolin and feldspar.
The dental cavity filling procedure is not invasive and does not cause pain. However, sometimes, a deep cavity may require filing or wedging because of decay. The procedure begins with the numbing of the tooth with the help of local anaesthesia to ensure minimum discomfort. Next, the practitioner removes the decayed part of the tooth with a drill or laser. They also use a gel to clean the tooth and fill the gaps with the filling materials.
To ensure the filling is deposited and set into the tooth, a dental curing light is placed on it to harden the material. Finally, the tooth is polished to smooth the surface and your Hope Island dentist will check your bite to ensure the filling is placed correctly.
Dental cavities protect the tooth from future damage by covering the holes with restorative materials. It helps to strengthen the weakened tooth and bring back its natural function through correct biting and proper chewing. It can help crush the food effectively and maintain the structure of the tooth. A dental filling safeguards the nerve of the tooth that can become infected if the cavity remains untreated.
Tooth-coloured fillings maintain the appearance of your smile and relieve all the pain associated with cavities. They are quite durable and can last up to 20 years if cared for properly. They are also affordable compared to other dental treatments like root canals and dental implants. The cost of the filling depends on the material used and its size.
Dental fillings do not require much aftercare, and you can start eating and chewing food after the numbness has subsided. The only thing to remember is to avoid eating too hot or cold foods for 24 hours. You can switch to a softer diet for a few hours and must visit your dentist in Hope Island if you feel pain while chewing.
You must brush and floss daily to maintain optimum oral hygiene and ensure no food debris is stuck to the filling. Another thing to remember is that you should not crush extremely hard foods with the treated teeth, such as ice cubes, nuts, etc. If you have a habit of grinding your teeth, you may crack your filling and need it to be replaced often. It is vital to visit the dentist often to check if the filling is in good condition.
Cavities thrive in dirty mouths, which are breeding grounds for bacteria. Thus, it is vital to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride-based toothpaste to cover all the tooth surfaces. Flossing helps eliminate food stuck between teeth, and you should never forget to brush before going to bed.
If you are susceptible to developing cavities, your dentist in Hope Island will help prevent them by placing dental sealants over the teeth. In addition, it is vital to eat healthy foods and avoid starchy and sticky foods.
Cavities are a common dental problem. According to the WHO, approximately two billion adults suffer from this problem and have to get them treated. If you have been diagnosed with a cavity, you must know all about fillings before visiting your dentist.