Fillings are extremely common with dental work, as they present a way to repair a tooth that has suffered from decay or a cavity back to it’s original shape. When performing a filling, the dentist will take away the decayed area of the tooth, clean around it, then complete the area that he has removed having a special material that will cater to the shape and form of the tooth.
Fillings work by closing out the area where the bacteria enters into teeth, helping to prevent any kind of decay in the future. The materials employed for fillings include porcelain, gold, composite resin, and amalgam. There is actually no best kind of filling, as several factors come up. Your reaction to different material, the form of the tooth, extent of repair, and in which the filling is needed will be determining factors as to what material is used with your filling.
The gold fillings that are used are made in a laboratory, then cemented into place through the dentist. Gold material fits well using the gums, and can last for many years. Gold is considered by many people to be the best, even though it is also the most expensive and will require you to visit the dentist many times before the filling will be complete.
Silver fillings however, are less expensive than gold materials plus they can be quite resistant to wear. With their color being dark, they are easier to notice than composite or porcelain fillings, and aren’t suitable for visible areas of the mouth, especially the front teeth. Composite fillings really are a common type of material, as they match the color of your teeth. The material that makes up the composite filling is mixed then placed directly in the cavity, where it hardens. They last several years, although composite isn’t suitable for large cavities, or areas where they may chip.
The ultimate type of filling is porcelain. Porcelain is very common, and manufactured in lab where it will likely be matched to your teeth then bonded towards the affected tooth. Porcelain fillings match the colour of your teeth, and therefore are resistant to any type of staining. The costs for porcelain fillings can be very expensive, some costing around gold fillings.
If a cavity, decay, or even a crack has managed to damage a large area of the tooth, you may need a crown or a cap. If the decay has got to the nerve, you may end up needing a root canal to eliminate the dead pulp. When the dentist decides he is able to fill your tooth, he will remove the cavity then fill the hole with a material in the above list. Depending on your insurance and what you could afford, you can determine which one you want or take his recommendation. In many instances, porcelain or composite fillings will be recommended. Gold fillings are popular, although many people want a filling which will match the natural color of their teeth.
Keep in mind that only a dentist can make the decision regarding fillings. When you visit for the routine checkup, the dentist will look in your mouth and use instruments that will let him examine the surfaces of your teeth. If he finds any cavities, he'll usually recommend a filling. You won’t feel anything, because he will numb the region he is going to be filling. It normally takes less than an hour, and you’ll be up and also at ‘em before you know it. A filling is ideal for cavities, as most look natural and they won’t result in the loss of your tooth.