Dental Fillings: Procedure & Benefits

What are tooth-colored dental fillings, and what do they consist of?

Fillings are dental procedures that involve the placement of metals, polymers, glass, or other materials in cavities. Tooth-colored fillings are one of the most popular uses for fillings, which is used to “fill” a cavity created by decay – a “cavity.” Fillings are used to repair chipped, fractured, or broken teeth as well as teeth that have been worn down from overuse (such as from nail-biting or tooth grinding).

A composite resin filling, also known as a “white” filling, is a tooth-colored filling made of composite. Composite is a mix of hard plastic and glass that mimics the look of natural teeth.

How are composite fillings placed?

Fillings made of composite require only one visit. During the operation, your dentist will remove any decayed biological structures that are causing the issues. After that, everything will be cleaned and prepared before the new filling is inserted. 

Extra protection will be given if the decay is near or in touch with a tooth’s nerve, a particular medication will be used. To restore your tooth to its original form and function, the composite filling will then be meticulously placed, molded, and polished.

Many individuals have heat sensitivity or cold sensitivity after composite fillings are first placed. After your tooth has adjusted to the new filling, this will go away.

You will be advised on how to take care of your new fillings at the end of your therapy. A healthy diet, regular dental visits, and excellent oral hygiene are all critical for the life of your new Fillings.

Benefits of Dental Fillings

Fillings are one of the most common restorations performed in dental clinics. Fillings are an excellent method to treat cavities and tooth decay. Metal amalgam can be utilized to fill cavities, but many individuals have been using tooth-colored materials lately for aesthetic reasons. Porcelain or composite resin restorative fillings can be manufactured from either material and are a more affordable alternative to metal replacements.

Here are more benefits of receiving a dental filling:

1. Improved Confidence – What’s the most important reason to consider a filling? You’ll be able to smile with greater confidence! The metal-free mouth will cause your teeth to gleam and be free of cavities.
2. Safer for Your Teeth – Because metal tends to expand and contract, you run the danger of causing a fracture or crack in your tooth. Porcelain fillings are used for tooth-colored restorations, there are no visible indications of expansion and contraction. When the weather changes, this additional protection feature provides a more comfortable fit.
3. Match the Shade of Your Teeth – Due to the fillings’ materials, you may choose the color of your filling to match your tooth hue! Your unique shade will make it seem as though you never had a cavity treatment.
4. No Discoloration – Metal amalgam, on the other hand, may cause your teeth to become grey in color, which means you won’t have to worry about discoloration when you remove metal and replace them with tooth-colored fillings.
5. Efficient & Effective – A metal amalgam takes around thirty minutes to complete, but you may be required to wait afterward to ensure it sets correctly. A tooth-colored filling does not need a waiting period.
6. Preserve More of the Natural Tooth – When you utilize composite material to fill teeth, you can save more of the natural tooth during treatment because it fits better within the space.

How should I care for my dental fillings?

To keep your fillings in good condition, you should continue to practice excellent oral hygiene habits such as the following:

1. Teeth cleanings on a regular basis with our dentist (twice yearly) are suggested.
2. Brush your teeth with toothpaste twice daily or after every meal.
3. Flossing your teeth at least once a day is essential for good dental health.

If your dentist suspects that one of your fillings is cracked or “leaking,” they will take X-rays to examine your tooth more closely.

When should a dental filling be replaced?

Here are the most common reasons for dental fillings to be replaced:

1. Normal wear and tear: Chewing, grinding your teeth, clenching your jaw, and other such behaviors can cause dental fillings to deteriorate, chisel, or fracture. Although you won’t be able to tell that your filling is wearing down, your dentist will be able to identify flaws in your restorations during a routine check-up.
2. Failed filling causing decay: If the seal between the teeth’ enamel and dentine breaks, particles of food and microorganisms that cause oral disease can get beneath the covering. If decay is not treated promptly, you may also induce additional damage to the tooth. If decay is left unchecked, it might spread to the dental pulp, causing an abscessed tooth.
3. Oversized filling: If the filling is huge or the regrowth is excessive, there may not be enough tooth structure left to support a replacement filling. In these situations, your dentist may need to replace the filling with a dental crown.

Who is the best candidate for this dental procedure?

There may be some discomfort involved with this procedure. Consultation and discussion with your doctor will be required to determine if you are a suitable candidate for the surgery, which is one of the most prevalent treatments in dentistry.

Schedule a Dental Filling Consultation Today!

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned or have any other concerns, please contact our El Paso, TX dental practice to schedule a dental filling consultation. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have and help you determine if this is the best treatment for you.

Now that you know more about tooth-colored filling, schedule a dental visit today by calling us at (915) 921-6200 or click the button below to schedule your next appointment.