What Are Dental Fillings and Why Are They Necessary?
Dental fillings are a kind of therapeutic dentistry therapy useful for restoring minimal tooth fractures, decay, or maligned exteriors of the teeth. The filling materials include composite, silver amalgam, and porcelain, which are also useful for evening out tooth surfaces to enable better biting and chewing.
The most common component of tooth decay is enamel loss, which results in tooth sensitivity. The sensitivity caused by enamel loss can, in many cases, improve significantly or eliminated after the tooth is restored using the appropriate dental filling material. However, in some cases, the extent of the decay or damage on the affected tooth may need dental procedures such as dental crowns, dental implants or bridges, and root canal treatments.
How to Plan Getting Dental Fillings If Needed
The most common oral issue discovered during scheduled dental exams with the dentist near you is tooth decay. Your dentist inspects your teeth utilizing dental probes and taking x-rays to discover the precise location and the cavity and decay extent.
After confirming the need for a filling, your dentist will advise your options for filling and sealing the cavity to prevent decay from progressing to cause extensive damage to the tooth. The dentist will determine the tooth’s best filling option after considering your medical history, the cavity’s location, your aesthetic needs, biting force, cost, and the number of visits needed. You have a choice of choosing an office filling option used by the dentist or have your fillings created in a dental laboratory according to your preferences. Our
Dental fillings in Sanger can compete with the filling treatment immediately. The area surrounding the infected tooth is anesthetized using local anesthesia, or you may receive oral sedation to keep you relaxed if you are overly anxious.
The Dental Filling Procedure
Dental fillings in Sanger, TX, begins the procedure by preparing your tooth and the necessary surrounding areas for restoration of the decay or damage. A drill or laser is used to remove the decay or damage in the area is cleaned to eliminate bacteria and debris before completing the restoration.
If you have chosen composite resin fillings, the first step during the procedure is to isolate your tooth with a rubber dam. It is crucial to separate your tooth during a composite restoration to prevent moisture from interfering with the bonding process. The procedure requires the placement of various adhesives before the composite material is placed and hardened. The finished composite restoration appears natural and functions effectively.
Caring for Your Dental Fillings
After filling the cavity, the dentist will discuss how you can prevent decay from forming around the filling and other areas of your oral cavity.
Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, using dental floss at least once a day, or an interdental cleaner is recommended. You must schedule appointments with your dentist for routine exams and cleanings to determine whether you are developing other cavities is or are managing the tooth decay in your mouth effectively. Your dentist may suggest the application of dental sealants over your molars to prevent plaque buildup and also use fluoride rinses as an additional preventive barrier.
Diet and nutrition have a significant role to play in oral health. It will be essential for you to maintain having a balanced diet and limiting your intake of sugary foods and beverages besides in-between-meal snacks.
What Is the Cost of Dental Fillings?
The costs of dental fillings can vary depending on various factors, some of which include:
- The experience of the dentist performing the procedure.
- Your geographic location.
- How many tooth surfaces need fillings?
- The type of dental insurance coverage you have.
Composite fillings are the most expensive than traditional silver amalgam fillings because they need a sophisticated process and costly materials. Composite fillings offer an aesthetic alternative to silver amalgam, and many people who have received silver amalgam fillings return to the dentist to have them replaced with composites.
When you have tooth decay and cavities on your teeth, you must be concerned about repairing damages rather than worry about the cost of the filling. You can expect to pay approximately $ 110-$ 275 for a silver amalgam filling while the prices of a composite filling line between $ 135-$325 per fill. Silver amalgam fillings last for around 10 to 12 years, while composite fillings need replacements every five years. The longevity of the filling will depend on your oral hygiene and your commitment to continued dental visits.