What is a Filling?
Fillings are essentially a way to restore a tooth that’s been damaged by decay to bring it back to normal function. When you get a filling, chances are you’re getting decayed tooth material removed first, and then the area is cleaned up, and then the cleaned area is then fixed up with a filling material.
By closing off the spaces where bacteria can get in, a filling can prevent more decay from happening. Gold, porcelain, and even a composite resin or an amalgam can be used to help with this.
So what type is best for you? Well, the right one is essentially determined by what your dentist thinks is good for you that is right for you is also based on the extent of what you need to be repaired, any metal allergies, and where the filling is needed, along with how much you’re willing to pay.
First, you’ve got gold fillings, which are made in a lab, and they’re cemented into place. The inlays are well tolerated by the gums, and they can last more than 20 years. These are considered the best filling, but they’re the most expensive choice and require many visits.
For amalgam fillings, these are resistant to wear and tear, and they’re not as expensive, but due to the dark color, they’re more noticeable than other restorations, and they’re not used on front teeth for this reason.
The composite or plastic resins are matched to create the same color that your teeth are, so it creates a natural appearance. They are put directly into the cavity, and they harden. They might not be ideal for larger fillings due to the fact that they are more subject to wear and tear with time, and they can be stained by tea, tobacco, and coffee, and they don’t last as long as others.
Finally, you’ve got the porcelain fillings, and essentially they are called inlays or onlays, and they’re made in a lab, then bonded to a tooth. They can be matched t the tooth color, and also resists staining. The restoration that you get typically covers most of the tooth, but they have a much higher cost for that reason.
If you have a fracture that’s more damaged than what a filling might help with, then a crown or a cap may be needed. Decay is usually done in two ways if there is decay in the nerve, through the use of root canal therapy, or pulp capping. Root canal therapy is where the nerve damaged nerve is taken out, and the latter keeps the nerve alive.
Usually, the procedure is simple, where the decay is removed, and then the affected area is cleaned, and then the cavity is then filled and set. Usually, the dentist will tell you if you have a cavity that must be filled, and the mirror that they use will help to examine this. Anything that looks abnormal may be looked into further so that you can get the best treatment.
