Dental fillings are among the most popular dental procedures to repair a decayed tooth. If you are experiencing tooth decay or cavities, it is important to know about dental fillings to make informed choices regarding your oral health. If you are looking for dental fillings in Orlando, it is important to learn about the options and how the procedure is performed.
In this blog post, we are going to disassemble everything that you want to know about fillings in dentistry, the types, procedure, and benefits.
What Are Dental Fillings?
Tooth fillings serve as a solution for teeth that have suffered decay or cavity damage. The filling material restores the decayed area to its original shape and functional state. Fillings serve as a protective measure against decay progression, which makes them essential for sustaining oral health throughout the years.
When a cavity is discovered, your Orlando dentist will drill out the decayed area of the tooth and fill it with an appropriate filling material. Not only will this restore the tooth, but it will also stop the bacteria from spreading.
Types Of Dental Fillings
There are a number of different types of dental fillings, each with its own advantages. Your dentist will select the most appropriate material depending on the size of the cavity, the tooth’s location, and your own preferences.
Amalgam Fillings (Silver Fillings)
The mixture of silver and mercury with tin and copper creates these dental fillings. The durability of amalgam fillings makes them suitable for back teeth, although they produce visible discoloration.
Composite Fillings (Tooth-Colored Fillings)
The wide application of composite fillings as tooth-colored restorations makes them suitable for visible tooth areas since they can be easily tinted to match tooth color. The resin-based material makes composite fillings suitable for front teeth.
Gold Fillings
Gold fillings demonstrate exceptional durability, which enables them to survive for multiple years. Gold fillings demonstrate strong body acceptance, but their higher price compared to other options makes them less affordable.
Ceramic Fillings
Ceramic fillings are tooth-colored and offer a very natural look, and hence are good for visible teeth while smiling or speaking. Ceramic fillings are strong and do not stain easily.
Resilon Fillings
This newer material provides a flexible, biocompatible alternative for fillings. Resilon fillings are routinely applied in root canal treatment.
The Procedure of Obtaining A Dental Filling
If you need a dental filling, the process is easy and usually involves the following steps:
Examination And Diagnosis
Your dentist in Orlando will start by looking at your teeth with X-rays or other diagnostic tools to see if there are any cavities or signs of decay. They will then recommend the best type of filling for your situation based on this evaluation.
Preparation
The part of the tooth that is affected will be removed with a dental drill after the type of filling is determined. The area will be cleaned properly to make sure that no bacteria remain.
Placement Of the Filling
The dentist shapes gold or amalgam fillings to match the cavity shape. The dentist applies composite and ceramic materials in stages before using special lighting to harden them.
Shaping And Polishing
Your dentist near you will then shape the filling when it is set to fit perfectly with your bite. The final step is to polish the filling until it looks like your tooth.
How Long Do Dental Fillings Last?
The dental filling’s lifespan depends on the filling material type and placement location and the patient’s oral hygiene practices. Dental fillings in Orlando typically survive between five and fifteen years before needing replacement. The natural appearance of composite fillings makes up for their shorter lifespan compared to amalgam and gold fillings.
Your filling will last longer when you maintain proper oral hygiene through brushing and flossing and scheduled dental checkups at dental office in Orlando.
Benefits Of Dental Fillings
What are the advantages, if you get the use of dental fillings near you?
- The filling material creates a protective barrier that blocks bacteria from entering while minimizing additional tooth damage.
- The dental filling material enables patients to eat and speak comfortably without experiencing any tooth-related discomfort.
- The use of composite and ceramic fillings provides patients with an opportunity to preserve their natural smile aesthetics.
Caring For Your Dental Fillings
Proper maintenance of your fillings will extend their lifespan. The following guidelines will help you maintain proper dental filling care:
- Regular brushing and flossing practice helps stop the accumulation of plaque and tartar around fillings, which in turn lowers the chance of new cavities forming.
- You should stay away from eating hard foods and from using ice or objects that might harm your dental fillings.
- Regular dental checkups with your local dentist will help you monitor your filling’s condition and maintain its structural integrity.
Need A Filling? Visit A Dentist Near You For Professional Care!
Tooth decay or cavities represent a dental condition that dentists treat using dental fillings to both heal teeth and maintain their health and functionality. The following discussion provides information about dental fillings in Orlando, along with different materials to assist you in selecting appropriate options.
The expert team at CG Dentist Orlando stands ready to provide dental filling services to patients who have made their decision. Our dental practice provides customized filling solutions and individualized care to maintain your dental health and beauty.
Make your appointment now with your Orlando-based dentist.