Don't Ignore the Pain: Dental Fillings Can Save Your Teeth
Life happens and having a tooth damaged can be a part of it. If you’ve ever felt embarrassed, shy, or nervous to take pictures, laugh or smile around groups of your friends and strangers, then having a tooth filling is the right option for you.
What Are Dental Fillings?
Dental Filling is a treatment modality to restore missing tooth structure which could have been a result of decay or trauma. Decay makes tooth hollow.
Dental Filling helps to fill this gap and protect it from further decay. A filling is also used to repair broken or cracked tooth and the teeth which wear off due to dental habits like teeth grinding, nail biting etc.
When Does One Need Dental Filling?
There are various signs and symptoms where fillings can be required. The symptoms could be as below:
- A hole in your tooth
- Dark spots on the tooth
- Food stuck between certain areas of the teeth
- Chipped or broken tooth
- Sensitivity to hot and cold food and beverage
- Single or multiple cavities
If you come across any of the symptoms as mentioned above, then there is a chance that you need a filling. The final decision will be of your dentist after a thorough oral examination.
Before & After Picture Gallery
A Tooth-Coloured Filling
Anterior Decay
Silver Fillings Replaced With Composite
Broken Tooth
Let's Take A Look At Five Benefits of Tooth Fillings
Tooth Fillings Improve The Color Of Your Teeth:
Composite fillings are often applied to teeth that are badly stained and discolored. Your teeth can become stained as a result of the things you consume like coffee and red wine. Bad habits like bruxism can also lead to your teeth losing their natural color
It Protects Your Teeth From Decaying:
There are tiny holes that develop on your teeth that aren’t big enough to be considered cavities, but these holes tend to trap food particles and debris. Over time, these holes will eventually lead to tooth decay. Fortunately, they can be sealed with a composite filling.
It Improves The Structure Of Tooth:
Composite fillings help to improve the structure of your tooth. Instead of the tooth being hollowed out by the cavity, the filling will give it much-needed support. Fillings are temporary solutions, so there is no damage done to your tooth during its application.
It Stops The Cavity From Growing:
When you get a filling, your dentist will clean out the decayed part of your tooth. He/she will then pour in the filling material, sealing the hole created by the cavity. That protects the nerve endings in your dentine from being exposed to the temperatures of the foods you eat and acids created by the bacteria in your mouth. It is the exposure of these nerves that often leads to toothaches when you have cavities.
Consequences Of Not Getting A Dental Filling Done
If you have decay, then it is extremely important to get Fillings done because if the treatment is not done on time then slowly the enamel (outer part of teeth) start decaying exposing the dentin (the hard part below the enamel).
The bacteria in your mouth will come in contact with dentin, causing infection. Once the infection starts, you will feel sensitivity and will then want to get Fillings done.
But if you skip this part and do not get the treatment done on time, then the infection will reach to the nerve which will eventually damage the tooth and then one needs to undergo a Root Canal Treatment. You are also at risk of the infection traveling to the adjacent tooth making it prone to decay.
Types Of Dental Fillings
Dental Fillings are of various types. The type of filling to be used will depend upon the condition of decay and other factors such as a person being allergic to a material. The different type of fillings available are:
Metal Filling
This old age filling is long lasting. In this type, Silver Filling is comparatively inexpensive. But gold though expensive is a preferred choice. Because they can withstand chewing forces and last usually from 10-15 years.
Amalgam Filling
These are the most researched and widely used by dental professionals since quite long now. They are made of several metals combined and therefore, they have high strength.
Composite Filling
These are of the same color as your teeth. These are preferred if a person does not want their filing to be seen. It is recommended & suitable for front teeth. It bonds well with the tooth structure. It is also used for a chipped tooth, however, does not last long as compared to metal and amalgam filling and can also wear off with time.
Porcelain / Ceramic Filling
The porcelain filling is best suited if you have serious aesthetic concerns. These cover most part of the tooth, as a result, can be used if the decay is large enough. This long-lasting filling does not stain or wear off easily.
Post Treatment Care For Dental Filling
- Before you start chewing, make sure that the anesthesia is worn off
- Do not consume anything too hot or too cold if the effect of anesthesia is still on
- You might feel soreness around your gum area, this will last only for a few days
- Avoid hard or sticky food for a few days
- If you have a habit of grinding your teeth, then make sure you use a mouthguard to protect your filling
- If you feel sensitivity for too long or if your dental fillings come out, visit your dentist immediately
- Maintain a good Oral Hygiene routine like cleaning, brushing, mouthwash & flossing
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.1. How Long Does A Dental Filling Last?
The longevity of Dental Filling depends upon the material of the filling. It also depends on how well you take care of your filling. The life of Dental Filling varies from 10 years to 20 years.
Q.2. Can Dental Filling Fall Off?
Yes, but the chances are rare.
Q.3. What To Do If Your Fillings Come Out?
Visit your dentist as soon as your Dental Filling comes out.
Q.4. How To Know That Dental Filling Is Loose?
If you have sensitivity even after getting the filling done, then it is likely that your filling is about to come off. Or if you feel pressure while eating or have a constant toothache then the chances of it coming off is high.
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