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Fillings are very common in dental work as they represent a way to repair a tooth that has suffered from decay or a cavity to its original shape. When performing a filling, the dentist will remove the decayed area of the tooth, clean around it, and then fill the removed area with a special material that will conform to the shape of the tooth.
Fillings work by closing off the area where bacteria enter the teeth, which helps prevent any future cavities. Materials used for fillings include porcelain, gold, composite resin, and amalgam. There really isn’t one best type of padding, as several factors come into play. Your reaction to different materials, the shape of the tooth, the extent of the repair, and where the filling is needed will all be determining factors as to which material is used with your filling.
The gold fillings used are made in a laboratory, and then cemented into place by the dentist. The gold material adapts well to the gums and can last for many years. Gold is considered by many to be the best, although it is also the most expensive, and will require you to visit the dentist several times before the filling is complete.
On the other hand, silver fillings are less expensive than gold materials and can be quite resistant to wear. Because they are dark in color, they are easier to see than porcelain or composite fillings and are not recommended for visible areas of the mouth, especially the front teeth. Composite fillings are a common type of material as they match the color of your teeth. The material that makes up the composite filling is mixed and placed directly into the cavity, where it hardens. They last for several years, although the compound is not recommended for large cavities or areas where they may splinter.
The last type of filling is porcelain. Porcelain is very common and is produced in the laboratory where it will be fitted to the teeth and then bonded to the affected tooth. Porcelain fillings match the color of your teeth, and are resistant to any type of staining. Porcelain filling costs can be very expensive, some costing as much as gold fillings.
If a cavity, decay, or even a crack has managed to damage a large area of the tooth, you may need a crown or cap. If the decay has made its way to the nerve, you may need a root canal to get rid of the dead pulp. When the dentist decides he can fill your tooth, he will remove the cavity and then fill the hole with the material listed above. Depending on your insurance and what you can afford, you can choose which one you want or accept their recommendation. In most cases, porcelain or composite fillings will be recommended. Gold fillings are popular, although most people want a filling that matches the natural color of their teeth.
Please note that only a dentist can make the decision regarding fillings. When you have a routine checkup, the dentist will look in your mouth and use instruments that allow him to examine the surfaces of your teeth. If he finds any cavities, he will usually recommend a filling. You won’t feel a thing as it will numb the area you will be filling. It usually takes less than an hour, and you’ll be up and alert before you know it. A filling is ideal for cavities as most of them look natural and will not cause your tooth to lose.
For more information about dental treatments call Unicare Dental Center.