A dental filling is a treatment that repairs a hole, or cavity, in a tooth. It protects the underlying tooth from further damage and restores its function and appearance.
They are an essential treatment for preventing further decay, saving you from more extensive treatments like extractions and crowns. Our dentists use safe, composite resin that can be color-matched to your teeth for a natural looking restoration.
Amalgam Fillings
If the structural integrity and health of your tooth are compromised by decay, fillings are an important restorative dentistry treatment. A dental fillings Orlando FL stops further damage, repairs the hole, and prevents bacteria from re-entering the tooth.
Metal amalgam is the most common type of tooth filling. It is made from a mixture of metals such as silver, copper, tin, and mercury. The dentist mixes the ingredients in a special machine until they are thoroughly blended, then the amalgam is packed into the tooth.
While amalgam fillings are safe, they do have some drawbacks. They are not aesthetically pleasing, and they require more of the healthy tooth structure to be removed for placement. They may also expand and contract more than natural teeth, causing fractures. Amalgam fillings are also associated with a small proportion of local reactions and hypersensitivity in certain groups. However, there is no evidence that the mercury exposure from amalgam fillings poses any other risks in the general population.
Composite Fillings
Composite fillings are made from synthetic resin and are tooth-colored, allowing them to blend in with the natural tooth. While these are more expensive than amalgam fillings, they’re more durable and look better. They also release fluoride, which helps prevent future decay and keep teeth strong. They can be placed in one session and are usually completed within an hour. The dentist will begin by numbing and drying the area. Then the dentist will remove any decayed parts of the tooth. A space will be created to place the composite filling. The tooth will be etched and prepared to ensure the filling is attached properly.
The dentist will add the filling in layers, curing each layer with a dental fillings orlando fl light. Once the tooth is filled, the dentist will shape it and polish it to make it smooth. The tooth will then be sealed to prevent any new cavities. With proper care, composite fillings can last for years.
Tooth-Colored Fillings
Unlike the silver (amalgam) fillings of the past, these tooth-colored varieties do not contain any mercury. Instead, they utilize a non-toxic mixture of medical grade plastic resin and powdered glass filler to match the natural color of your teeth. They also bond with the remaining tooth structure, preventing cracks around them from developing. They are much more resistant to temperature changes, which can otherwise cause sensitivity and pain.
The process of a cavity filling begins by numbing the affected tooth or teeth with a local anesthetic. After that, the dentist uses a drill to remove the decay from the tooth.
Next, the dentist places the composite resin and uses a special light to harden it. Finally, the dentist checks the bite and ensures that the restoration feels comfortable. Pros: Bonds to tooth structure; resists stains; does not release mercury; lasts about five years. Cons: May chip off tooth depending on location; can require more visits than other types of fillings; expensive.
Cavity Fillings
A cavity filling is one of the most common dental procedures to keep teeth healthy and strong. It removes bacteria that erode the tooth enamel and stops the spread of decay in the remaining tooth structure. Keeping cavities in check can prevent the need for more invasive dental procedures down the road.
Tooth decay is an inevitable part of life, but it can be prevented by a good oral hygiene routine and regular visits to the dentist. When left untreated, the bacteria in a cavity can damage the inner core of the tooth and lead to pain or the need for a root canal.
After numbing your mouth with anesthetic, the dentist will drill out any decay and clean the area. Then the dentist will fill the hole with a restoration, such as composite resin, amalgam, or glass ionomers. Direct fillings can be placed and bonded in a single visit, but indirect fillings like inlays and onlays must be fabricated from an impression of the tooth and then cemented into place at a second appointment.
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