Tooth decay is a sneaky troublemaker that can attack you anytime. It might indicate its presence in several ways, such as tooth discoloration, severe pain, etc. This might naturally make you feel scared of having to undergo invasive dental procedures. You might want to choose a dental filling, a simple cavity filling treatment, to battle the decay.
Read this blog to learn if you can actually fix your damaged teeth with this particular method.
What Happens When Tooth Decay Strikes?
Bacteria in your mouth feast on leftover sugars, producing acids that slowly erode the enamel, the hard, protective outer layer of your teeth. Early on, this damage might be reversible with fluoride treatments that help rebuild enamel. But once you have visible holes in your teeth, you will need more extensive treatments.
Ignoring decay allows it to burrow deeper into your tooth’s layers, potentially reaching the dentin or even the pulp, which contains the tooth’s nerves and blood vessels. This is where dental fillings in Colleyville come in.
How Do Dental Fillings Work?
These will act like a patchwork for your teeth. The dentist will remove the decayed portion, clean the area thoroughly, and fill the gap with a material designed to restore the tooth’s shape and function. This process stops the decay and prevents its recurrence.
- Decay Removal: The dentist drills out the damaged part of the tooth.
- Cleaning: The cavity is cleaned to remove bacteria and debris.
- Filling Placement: The chosen material is placed into the cleaned space.
- Setting: Some fillings harden instantly with a special curing light.
- Bite Check and Polishing: The dentist ensures the filling fits comfortably and polishes it for a smooth finish.
What Are Dental Fillings Made Of?
Not all fillings are the same. The material dental professionals might use depends on several factors, such as the size and location of your decay. Some common materials are:
- Composite Resin: These are tooth colored resins that can be molded to look like your natural teeth. They are widely used for their good looks and durability.
- Amalgam: A silver-colored mixture of metals, amalgam fillings are durable and long-lasting, but less popular for front teeth because of their color.
- Ceramic: Porcelain-filled ones can give a natural appearance and last a long time. It is typically used for larger restorations.
- Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC): This emits fluoride to prevent further tooth decay, generally applied in children’s teeth or less-stressed portions.
Can Fillings Completely Repair Tooth Decay?
This procedure can repair your damaged teeth, but they don’t make your tooth bulletproof. After the procedure, your tooth becomes stronger and functional again. You can smile and eat without any fear,
However, with time, the material gets worn down and might even allow bacteria to creep up along their sides, causing what dentists term “recurrent decay.” So you must exercise proper care to keep this from happening by practicing oral hygiene and watching what you eat and drink.
Is your tooth too decayed or far gone for a dental filling? Then you can opt for alternative options like root canal, tooth extractions, etc.
Dental fillings can prevent decay from spreading to other parts of your mouth and keep you feeling confident. However, remember that they don’t make your teeth invisible, so you do need to take proper care of them.
Are you ready to repair your tooth decay? Contact us today to get the care you deserve.