Tooth Filling
Lincoln Park, NJ
 A cracked, broken, or decayed tooth should be repaired to prevent pain and sensitivity or potential infection from occurring. Fillings are among the restorative dentistry methods that can help repair and restore a tooth. Different filling materials are available, including glass, metals, plastics, amalgam, porcelain, and gold.
When you visit us at The Implant Center at Comprehensive Dental, we will examine your dental issue to see if tooth fillings are the right dental procedure and can provide the solution you need. We discuss what filling material we should use for your case. Depending on the extent of tooth decay and the location of the tooth, one of our dentists will help you decide on what material to use.
Types of Tooth Fillings
There are various kinds of fillings often classified based on the technique of application. Regular, or traditional fillings, are also known as direct fillings. A dentist places the filling right away without having to fabricate it from a lab. Direct or regular fillings are made of materials such as silver amalgam, gold alloys, tooth-colored composite resin, ceramics, or glass ionomer.
Another type is indirect fillings. Although similar to tooth-colored or composite fillings, indirect fillings are constructed from a lab and then placed in or on the tooth. You generally require about two visits to have these indirect fillings placed.
During the first appointment, our dentist does impressions to record the shape of teeth that are being repaired as well as the nearby ones. The impressions are used to fabricate the indirect fillings. Temporary fillings are used to protect the teeth needing repair as the final tooth restoration is being constructed. It is during the second visit that the final fillings are permanently cemented into place. Indirect fillings come in form of onlays or inlays.
What Happens During a Dental Filling Procedure?
When you come in for a dental filling procedure, the dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the area where you are supposed to get a filling. The dental professional will then use a dental drill or laser to remove the decayed part of your tooth. After that, we will ensure all of the decay in your tooth has been completely removed.
We will then begin to clean your teeth. After the cleaning procedure is done, we will fill your tooth using your preferred material and polish it to smooth it.
If a patient is receiving tooth-colored fillings, there may be some extra steps to perform. Once the decay is removed and the area cleaned, the tooth-colored material is placed in layers. A special light helps cure or harden every layer as it is applied. Once the multiple layers are done, our dentist shapes the filling material to attain the required results. We then trim off any extra material and will do the polishing.
Why Are Dental Fillings Considered to Be Effective?
Dental fillings are one of the most common oral procedures normally done on kids and adults. People with tooth cavities can greatly benefit from this procedure. It involves getting a tooth filling to prevent bacteria and food debris from getting stuck in your teeth. Although different materials can be used to fill the cavity in your teeth, they all perform the function of protecting your teeth from further tooth decay.
The Implant Center at Comprehensive Dental is dedicated to ensuring that you do not lose your teeth and your dental health is maintained. Here is why we recommend a dental filling procedure for cavity treatment.
Fillings Prevent Infections
If you have a tooth cavity, you can easily suffer from an infection, especially in your gum area. This is because bacteria can easily spread to other parts of your mouth since it is hard to remove them, even with brushing and flossing. When they spread to your mouth, they can create soreness, redness, and pain, which will cause chewing problems. Therefore, if you have a cavity, getting a tooth filling procedure is crucial to avoid the bacteria from spreading to your gums and other teeth.
Fillings Improve the Functionality of Your Teeth
Your teeth are meant to help you chew and bite food properly, but if they are decayed and filled with cavities, it will be hard to chew food. This will force you to eliminate some nutritious foods in your diet, like nuts, since they will be hard to chew. It will, in turn, cause other health problems because it will cause deficiency of essential minerals and vitamins. Dental fillings can help eliminate this problem if you already have a tooth cavity. It will ensure you chew all food properly, which will maintain your dental and overall health.
Fillings Can Last for A Long Time
Depending on the dental filling you get, it can last up to seven to 15 years. However, you still need to have good oral hygiene practices to ensure they last long. Some common dental fillings available are gold, silver, porcelain, and composite resins fillings.
Aftercare Tips for Dental Fillings and How to Take Care of Them
Taking care of your filling is crucial to ensure it lasts long. You need to follow proper oral hygiene practices so that you keep the fillings in good form and ensure the teeth and gums remain healthy. Brush with toothpaste that contains fluoride. Also, floss once a day. Visit our dental office regularly for cleanings. Stick with a soft diet after getting the filling and avoid biting on hard objects or food.
Dental Fillings in Lincoln Park, NJ!
We welcome you to visit our The Implant Center at Comprehensive Dental get a filling dental restoration. You can also call us at (973) 633-5666 for more tips on how to take care of your dental filling and avoid future dental cavities from occurring.
To find out more about dental fillings and treatments for dental cavities, do not hesitate to contact our dental team. We encourage you to call us today to set up an appointment. Your oral health is important to us! |
