Are Dental Fillings Beneficial?
Restorative dentistry is a branch of dentistry that deals with the reparation and replacement of damaged and missing teeth. The teeth due to the numerous functions they perform daily are prone to wear and tear. This wear and tear can occur in form of a defect or total loss of a tooth. These defects might include cracked, chipped, broken or fractured teeth. These defects can occur as a result of trauma, accident, or injuries to the teeth. They can also occur as a result of the weakening of the teeth due to frequent use and improper care. To return these teeth to their normal state and enable them to resume their normal functions, restorative dentistry is needed. A major dental procedure used to fix these kinds of defects is called dental fillings.
Dental fillings are dental restorative treatments used to repair, replace and restore missing and damaged tooth or teeth structure. Fillings are also used to treat and fill cavities. Dental fillings even out your tooth’s surface and help to improve the efficiency of your jaw’s function. Fillings also improve teeth sensitivity conditions.
Types of dental fillings
There are various dental filling materials available in the world today but this does not mean any type of filling is best for you. There are roughly about five dental fillings from which you and your dentist can decide which one’s best for you.
The composite dental filling is made of resin and plastic materials. This type of filling is popular and in high demand because it can be matched in color to the shade of a person’s existing teeth. It is very much preferred by people who do not want their fillings to be seen. However, composite fillings don’t last as long as some other types of fillings. They typically need to be replaced every five to ten years.
The silver amalgam filling is the most widely known, researched, and used type of filling by dental professionals. Contrary to its name, it is not just made up of silver alone. It is a mixture of silver, tin, copper, zinc, and mercury. It is strong, affordable, and durable which is no wonder why it is a popular choice among dental professionals. The good features of this filling notwithstanding, it is not pleasing aesthetically. It is highly visible and is not a suitable choice if you wish to keep your fillings concealed.
The ceramic filling is made of porcelain. It is durable and aesthetically attractive and also tooth-colored. It can cover most of the tooth and can be used if the decay is large. Ceramic fillings are a little expensive than other types but are worth it because they are long-lasting and not easy to stain.
The glass ionomer filling comprises glass and acrylic. It is a good option for children as it releases fluoride which protects a tooth from further decay. However, they are not as long-lasting as other fillings and are also weak. They also do not match teeth’ color, as well as composite dental fillings, do.
Lastly, we have the gold fillings. Gold fillings are expensive as expected. They are not common and they take several visits to the dentist to be properly fitted. Nevertheless, gold is thick, does not corrode, and is very durable. They can last as long as 20 years, longer than all other types of fillings.
How are dental fillings beneficial to you?
Dental fillings are used to fix areas of the teeth affected by decay or dental cavities. They help to stop and prevent further damage by shielding the teeth from harmful bacteria.
Dental fillings also help to protect the tooth structure while replacing the damaged part of a tooth. Fillings are relatively cheaper than other dental treatments used to fix the same teeth defect. They are mostly done in a single visit to your dentist and this saves you a lot of time and energy.
Finally, fillings last longer than other dental treatments for similar teeth problems.
Dangers of not getting a required dental filling done.
Dental fillings are not only beneficial to your oral health but there are also grave consequences awaiting you if you refuse to get them done.
A delayed or denied dental filling might cause your enamel to start decaying. This exposes the dentin which makes it vulnerable to infections as it comes in contact with the bacteria in your mouth. When you get an infection in your dentin, you start to feel sensitivity. By this time, to get a dental filling done, you will require a series of other treatments which can be money wasting and energy-sapping.
Therefore, dental fillings might be your best shot at getting those tooth problems fixed.