A dental filling will not last forever, but it can last for over 20 years when properly maintained. Factors like how well the patient takes care of their teeth and the materials that make up the filling often determine how durable any repairs will be.
Fillings are materials used to seal the holes created by tooth decay. The filling is inserted into the affected tooth and hardens with exposure to air, saliva or curing light. The application of a dental filling is one of the more affordable treatments performed by family dentists, and it takes less than an hour to complete the process.
Cavities are created when oral bacteria convert food particles into acids that eat away at teeth surfaces. Over time, this leads to the formation of holes caused cavities. These holes leave the inner, more sensitive layers of teeth exposed, leading to toothaches, increased sensitivity and food particles getting stuck in these holes.
The installation of a dental filling starts with the dentist thoroughly examining the patient's damaged teeth. Extensive damage caused by tooth decay might require other solutions, like onlays/inlays or a crown.
The dentist may perform a visual examination of the patient's teeth and use X-rays to examine underneath their gums.
The process of applying dental filling to a tooth starts with the dentist injecting the area around the damaged tooth with a local anesthetic. This prevents the patient from feeling pain as the dentist works on their teeth.
The dentist will then remove decayed material from any teeth that have been damaged by decay. The area is then cleaned and dried. The filling material is added directly to the tooth, and most harden on contact with air or saliva. Fillings made with composite resins need to be hardened with ultraviolet light.
Dental fillings are usually made out of materials like:
Ready to put tooth decay behind you? Call or visit our Coconut Creek clinic to learn more about how dental fillings can stop tooth decay in its tracks.
Request an appointment here: https://yoursensationalsmile.com or call Colella Cosmetic Dentistry at (954) 428-6923 for an appointment in our Coconut Creek office.
Tooth decay is a very common dental issue among people of all ages. When a cavity develops, a dental filling can be used to make repairs. Although the procedure is relatively simple, it can still be very effective at repairing a tooth and stopping the spread of tooth decay.According to the American Dental Association, most…
The process of removing decayed tooth material and replacing it with artificial material, called a dental filling, has been a successful way to fight against cavities for thousands of years. A cavity typically occurs when acid wears away the tooth structure and creates a hole in the enamel. Cavities are often painful, but they can…
Many patients want to improve their smiles — this is where a cosmetic dentist can help. Read on to learn how cosmetic dentistry can improve the look of your smile. Cosmetic dentistry focuses on the quality of the smile, while also addressing oral health and functional concerns as necessary.The primary focus of cosmetic dentistry is…
Do you find yourself keeping your mouth closed in pictures? Do you turn your head away or hold your hand up to block your teeth when you speak? Sometimes even the smallest issues in the mouth, such as discoloration, a crooked tooth, or a misaligned bite, can cause discomfort or self-consciousness. If you are not…
Cosmetic dentistry focuses on the quality of the smile, while also addressing oral health and…
If you are interested in getting your teeth professionally whitened, know it can be accomplished…
If an individual has various infected or damaged teeth, a dentist may recommend multiple root…
Patients can expect to experience some swelling, bleeding and various levels of pain after undergoing…
A lot of general dentistry care is focused on the prevention of tooth decay. It…
In a general dentistry office, dental bonding is used to repair teeth that have sustained…
