If you have a minor cavity, the best way to deal with it is to have a dental filling put in. In this brief article, you’ll learn about how a dental filling works and how to choose the best type of filling for your condition.
What is a filling?
First of all, you have to understand what dental filling is before you can understand how to choose the right one for you. Cavities are caused by the acid-producing bacteria in the plaque that builds up on your teeth. By securing the opening in the tooth, you can prevent the cavity from developing any further. In short, a dental filling is a dental material that’s designed to be placed in the cavity to restore the natural shape and function of the tooth. Most dental fillings are made from gold, porcelain, composite resin, or amalgam.
How do I know when I need a dental filling?
Typically, a dental filling is the optimal treatment for smaller dental procedures where a crown or a cap isn’t required. If the cavity or infection reaches the root or the gum, it may require a root canal therapy or pulp capping to preserve the tooth.
How is it installed?
The first thing the dentist will do when you come in for a dental filling is to clean the surface of the tooth as well as disinfect the cavity to ensure that there are no bacteria left in the opening. This is done to prevent further corrosion of the tooth by the active bacteria. Once the cavity has been cleaned out, the filling will then be fitted into the opening.
Which type of filling is best?
This is a question with no definitive answer, as the optimal choice varies from case to case. You have to consider everything from your condition and your budget to how quickly you want the process to be.
So how do I know which type of filling I need?
It’s very difficult to answer this question without an examination. In order to know the best course of action, visit your dentist for a thorough assessment. They can give you suggestions on what you need to do according to your condition and budget or insurance coverage.
With that said, here are some of the available dental filling materials and their advantages:
// Amalgam
An amalgam filling may be the cheapest option, but there are a few downsides. First of all, the combination of harmful alloys such as mercury and zinc in the material raised some health concerns, which is why it was later replaced by other safer options. The color of this filling will not be the same as a normal tooth, making it a suboptimal choice for any tooth that can be seen when you smile.
// Composite Resins
If you’re looking for a dental filling option that most resembles the natural color of the teeth, composite resins are the best for you. The problem with composite resins is that they aren’t very durable, and they are prone to chipping and breaking. If you’re looking for a long lasting option, this won’t be the best choice for you.
// Porcelain
For a large cavity or highly damaged tooth, porcelain fillings may be the best option. Instead of filling the cavity, the porcelain treatment usually covers the whole tooth, making it highly durable. This means that the chances of them breaking are quite low. The downside is that a porcelain filling is rather expensive compared to the other available options.
Tee Family Dental is a local dental office in Perth that provides dental filling solutions – get in
touch today to see how we can help. We also have a dentist near Warwick.
