A dental filling is used to fix cavities, but most people are unaware of what the treatment entails. Besides, you might have heard and believed several common misconceptions concerning fillings. It should come as no surprise that many Americans associate fillings with pain and other negative consequences. This certainly does not always have to be the case. Despite these misconceptions, the team at Lovett Dental Pearland believes that the technique is crucial in fixing broken and worn-out teeth.
If you or someone you care about wants to learn more about the importance of dental filling, contact Lovett Dental Pearland online or call us at 281-416-5844 today.
The Significance of Dental Filling for Cavities
A cavity refers to a hole on the tooth resulting from tooth decay. Since the cavity retains the bacteria that caused the deterioration, failure to fix it will cause it to spread, destroying the whole tooth and affecting the adjacent teeth. During restorative dentistry involving a filling, your dentist will first clean the cavity before removing the decay using a drill, among other dental tools.
It is essential to remove the decay to prevent bacteria from causing further damage to the tooth. Cleaning cannot restore the tooth after damage occurs. Dentists use fillings to seal the cavity. Most dentists use composite resin fillings, but a few still opt for traditional glass ionomer and amalgam fillings.
The way that dental fillings work is based on replacing the damaged part of the tooth. The dentist will mold the cavity fillings to match the shape of the tooth. Once the process is successful, the fillings restore the tooth’s integrity and prevent vulnerable areas from further decay.
For a complete dental restoration, the expert dentists at Lovett Dental Pearland offer other essential services, including:
- Pediatric dentistry
- Dental braces
- Professional teeth cleaning
- Dental implants
- Emergency dental services
Common Causes of Tooth Decay
The causes of tooth decay vary depending on your lifestyle and habits. The continual exposure of teeth to acidic substances is the primary cause of tooth decay, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR).
The most common habits that destroy your teeth include:
- Participating in aggressive sports, such as boxing, without a mouth-guard
- Frequently drinking fruit juices and other sugary drinks
- Chewing on ice
- Drinking white wine
- Frequently chewing gum
The Process of Inserting Dental Fillings
The process of inserting dental fillings is straightforward. The dentist starts by injecting you with an anesthetic that numbs the surrounding gum and jaw area. Upon confirming that the area is numb and that you cannot experience pain, the dentist begins removing the decay from the affected areas of the tooth using a drill.
After removal of the decay and preparation of the tooth, the dentist starts filling the affected area. The method of inserting cavity fillings depends on the type of fillings.
- Composite resin filling – For composite resins, the dentist will place them in layers until they seal the cavity. During the filling process, the composite resin is in paste form, but it takes the tooth’s shape once it fills the cavity. If you observe proper oral hygiene, composite resin fillings can last for at least fifteen years without requiring a refill.
- Amalgam fillings – In amalgam fillings, the dentist uses a mixing machine to prepare it before filling the cavity. The most widely-used amalgam is silver-colored, and dentists have been using it to fix tooth decay problems for over a millennium now, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Benefits of Dental Fillings
There are a number of benefits that are a result of getting dental fillings, including:
- Brightens your teeth’s color – Fillings are often applied to teeth that are stained and discolored so that your smile becomes brighter.
- Protects your teeth from decay – Dental fillings can seal and protect the tiny holes in your teeth that trap the particles and debris that lead to decay.
- Improves your teeth’s structure – Fillings provide support to teeth that may have been hollowed by a cavity.
- Stops a cavity from growing – When you get a filling, your dentist will clean out the decayed part of your tooth and seal the hole created by the cavity.
- Restores your fractured teeth – Dental fillings repair your smile so that you feel more confident and self-assured.
Schedule a Dental Filling Appointment at Lovett Dental Pearland Today
Tooth decay causes cavities, compromising the integrity of your teeth. At Lovett Dental Pearland, we offer restorative dentistry services, including dental fillings, to protect your teeth from further damage. If you or your loved ones struggle with tooth decay, reach out to our team of dentists today. Contact Lovett Dental Pearland at 281-416-5844 to get started on treatment.