Why Would You Require a Dental Filling?
Even with the best oral hygiene care, tooth decay, and cavities can develop. The good news is that dental fillings offer a simple and virtually painless solution to restore the form, function, and integrity of damaged teeth. At Revive Family Dentistry, we are all about maintaining long-term healthy smiles!
What Are the Uses of Dental Fillings?
While dental fillings are primarily used for tooth decay and cavity repair, they serve many additional purposes. Here are some reasons we may recommend dental fillings:
- Repairing fractured, broken, or chipped teeth
- Restoring teeth worn from excessive grinding and clenching, a condition known as bruxism
- Evening out the surfaces of a tooth to improve the biting and chewing function of the jaw
- Improving tooth sensitivity by correcting enamel loss
Why Repair Teeth with Dental Fillings?
Dental fillings provide a simple and affordable solution to restore damaged teeth. The procedure protects the tooth structure from further deterioration, preventing the need for involved and costly procedures, such as root canal therapy down the road. Extensive decay and cavities left untreated can sometimes result in irreparable damage, leaving extraction as our only viable option. In that case, you would need to replace the missing tooth with a dental bridge or implant to restore your oral health and smile aesthetics.
What Are the Types of Dental Fillings?
The following are the most commonly used fillings and are all offered by your trusted team at Revive Family Dentistry:
Amalgam Fillings: Dentists around the world have been using amalgam fillings to treat cavities for decades. Because it is made of metal, amalgam has a distinct silver color, hence the name “silver fillings.” Amalgam is safe and is the least costly option of dental fillings. Its main advantage is its strength and longevity. However, it is not the choice cosmetic solution because of its silver color, which can interfere with your smile.
Composite Resin Fillings: Composite resin or white fillings are made of powdered glass and acrylic resin. They are popular for cavity repair because of how closely they color-match the surrounding teeth. Composites are best suited for mid-sized fillings on teeth exposed to moderate chewing pressure. They offer an excellent cosmetic solution to repair front teeth or restore chipped, broken, or worn teeth.
Porcelain or Ceramic Fillings: This material delivers stunning, incredibly durable results. It is closely color and texture-matched to the surrounding teeth, leaving you with a healthy, natural-looking smile. Porcelain fillings are resistant to staining and abrasion and have the potential to last more than 15 years!
What Is the Procedure for Cavity Repair?
Repairing a cavity is a routine and relatively simple procedure. Dr. Parson will start by numbing the area using a local anesthetic. She will remove the decayed portion of the tooth and clean and sterilize the area. The next step is filling the cavity. Depending on the type of filling used, Dr. Parson may use a curing light to harden the material.
How Can You Prevent Tooth Decay?
The best way to prevent tooth decay is to maintain proper oral hygiene practices, including brushing and flossing daily. Don’t forget to schedule your twice-a-year dental exams at Revive Family Dentistry. That will allow for early detection while treatment is easiest and most comfortable.
Quality Dental Fillings Near Me
Contact Revive Family Dentistry in Grand Prairie, TX, to learn more about our restorative dentistry procedures, including dental fillings. You can always trust Dr. Parson and her outstanding team for care and service that exceed your expectations. Call (469) 340-4002 to schedule your appointment today!