Believe it or not, but 91 percent of Americans over the age of 20 have had a dental cavity at some point in their life [1]. While you can do a lot to prevent the formation of cavities, when you get one, it must be treated. Unfortunately, the same agency reported that 27 percent of adults over the age of 20 have untreated cavities [1]. An untreated tooth cavity can lead to all kinds of problems and even travel to other spaces like your jaw [2]. Many avoid getting tooth fillings because they aren’t entirely educated on the importance of it and the process involved. Below, we will be going over what dental fillings are and why you should get one if you are in need of the procedure.
What Are Tooth Fillings?
The primary purpose of tooth fillings is to restore a tooth back to its original function. Along with this, it prevents the progression of further decay by ‘filling’ in the gaps where bacteria would otherwise be able to enter the tooth. White fillings are used to help preserve and protect the tooth. One of the most common ways a filling is used is to fill a cavity that exists in a tooth. However, it can be used for various other reasons including cracked or damaged teeth.
The Different Types Of Teeth Filling
There are plenty of different types of dental fillings that are regularly used. Each material has its own benefits and drawbacks. The most popular teeth filling is made with a composite material followed by amalgam. Amalgam is a material that has been used for the longest time. It offers greater durability than composite, but it doesn’t achieve the same aesthetics. Because of its enhanced durability, it is typically reserved for back teeth. Whereas, composite filling offers better overall aesthetics as the material can closely match the existing tooth structure. Along with this, composite as a material is much more versatile which makes it better for restoring a tooth that has been fractured or chipped. The downsides are that it is not nearly as durable as amalgam fillings. Meaning, the material is much more likely to chip or fracture if you consistently bite on hard food.
Do I Need a Crown or a Filling?
The answer to this is going to depend on your individual case. If your tooth only has a small cavity and a lot of it can be salvaged, it will do fine with a dental filling. Whereas, if the severity of the decay has compromised too much of the tooth’s existing structure, you will likely need to get the entire tooth capped. A tooth crown is essentially a cap that is placed over the entirety of the tooth. Thus, it can help to protect the tooth from sustaining further decay or damage.
Preparing For a Cavity Filling
A cavity filling may sound daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. The dentists we have at My Dentist will make you feel at ease throughout the entire process. We will talk to you about the best choices for permanent tooth filling material based on everything from your needs to your budget, health insurance, and more. You will be able to ask any possible questions you may have about the front tooth filling procedure, tooth filling aftercare if your tooth filling fell out what you should do, how many fillings you can get at once, and any other questions you may have to help ease your concerns and help you attain the peace of mind you need.
Do Tooth Fillings Hurt?
When you get your tooth filled at My Dentist, you don’t have to worry about experiencing immense pain. Your tooth area will be numbed with a local anesthetic in order to ensure that you are entirely comfortable throughout the course of the procedure. As long as you are getting your teeth filling performed at a dental office like My Dentist, you won’t have to worry about being in excruciating pain.
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