Dental Filling Gum disease, which begins as inflammation of the gingiva, is very common. It's caused by bacteria growing in a film called dental plaque. Left unchecked, the bacteria and inflammation can progress to the more severe stage of gum disease called periodontitis, and even lead to tooth loss. One might imagine that filling cavities would prevent gum disease from getting worse. After all, a filling protects teeth from further decay and thus keeps food particles from irritating the gums. It is true that they have greatly reduced tooth decay over the past century. Our dentist at Kaw Valley Family Dental is here to help you understand more about fillings. What Is A Dental Filling?Dental fillings are a common dental procedure that involves the removal of decayed tooth material and replacing it with a filling material. Fillings are used to treat cavities, repair cracked or broken teeth and restore tooth surfaces. The most common type of filling is an amalgam filling, which is made up of silver, tin, copper, mercury and sometimes zinc. Tooth-colored fillings can be used to replace amalgam fillings, as well as for new cavities. Tooth-colored fillings are made from composite resin or glass ionomer materials. When you visit our dentist for a checkup, we will examine your teeth for signs of decay and other problems such as cracks or chips. If you have a cavity or damage that needs to be filled, we will usually do the work at the same appointment. If the cavity is small, the dentist will remove the decayed portion of the tooth using a drill or an air abrasion instrument. We will then clean out the area before filling it with either an amalgam or composite filling. For larger cavities we may need to place a crown to protect the affected tooth. What are dental fillings made of?Dental fillings are made from the same material as dental crowns, which cover the entire tooth. These materials include gold, porcelain, and a resin-based composite. While these materials last many years, they do eventually wear down, chip, or crack. They will also stain over time. Most patients don't want to leave a dentist's office with a mouth full of metal fillings, so more than 90 percent of fillings placed today are tooth-colored. Most dentists use composite resin for small-to-midsize fillings that need to withstand moderate pressure from chewing. Some dentists also use composites for all fillings, even back teeth. They can match the color of existing teeth and are less invasive than amalgams because they bond to the tooth rather than resting in it. Dentists have been using amalgam fillings for 150 years. The silver and tin combined with mercury create an alloy that is stronger than tooth enamel alone but still malleable enough to allow dentists to shape it easily during placement. Amalgams last longer and cost less than composite resins, but they aren't as strong and don't bond as well to teeth. Their metallic color is also a disadvantage for front teeth or any visible part of the tooth. Dental Fillings Edwardsville, KSIf you want to understand more about dental fillings and oral health, our dentist here at Kaw Valley Family Dental will answer your questions in more detail. Make sure to book an appointment by calling 913-441-3373 today! |
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