Dental fillings are one of the most common procedures performed in dental offices.
Dental fillings are one of the most common procedures performed in dental offices. These are often used to treat problems caused by cavities, which can cause tooth destruction, and can be found in the outer layer of the tooth known as enamel, or can also reach the inner layer, called dentin. . A dental filling can also be applied in cases of fractured or cracked teeth, or in those teeth that have become worn as a result of the patient grinding her teeth or biting her nails.
Signs and Symptoms that You Need a Dental Fill
Signs:
These are the signs that you will be able to notice without experiencing adverse sensations in case you have cavities and require a dental filling:
º The dental floss gets stuck or breaks in the same place over and over again.
º You notice a hole or can even feel it with your tongue.
º Food always gets stuck between the same teeth.
º You have broken or lost a filling.
º You have a broken or chipped tooth.
Symptoms:
When we talk about symptoms we refer to all those sensations that you can feel. When you require a filler, the most common thing is that you feel pain, which can present itself in the following ways:
º Feeling pain when chewing or biting.
º Feeling sharp or shooting pain.
º Sensitivity to cold, heat, pressure or sweets.
Types of Dental Fillings
If you need a dental filling, one of our dentists will talk to you to determine the type of treatment that best suits your situation. Dental fillings differ in composition or material, and of course, in cost. The factors that our dentist will take into account when helping you choose the material to perform the dental filling are: the area of the mouth where such a repair will be performed and the extent of the damage to be repaired. There are four types of dental fillings: those made of gold, silver (amalgam), porcelain or composite material (plastic). Below we explain more about each of them:
Dental Fillings of Gold: these fillings guarantee a long duration, but it is one of the most expensive options. This metal is well tolerated by gum tissue, so a dental filling made from this material can last about 20 years or more.
Silver Dental Fillings (amalgams): these fillings are made with a combination of metals such as silver and copper, and in addition a small amount of mercury is added. Mercury in this state cannot be absorbed by the human body and its use has been approved by different national and international organizations, such as the World Health Organization, the American Dental Association and the United States Public Health Service. These dental fillings, while inexpensive, are not very aesthetic due to their dark color, so they are often used only for molars or less visible areas.
Porcelain Dental Fillings: These dental fillings are manufactured in a specialized laboratory and then adhered to the tooth by your specialist dentist. Its benefits are that they can adapt to the natural color of your teeth. They are durable, almost undetectable and their price is very similar to gold fillings.
Fillings of Composite Material (plastic): These affordable dental fillings can also adapt to the natural color of your teeth, but are not as durable as gold or porcelain and can chip or discolor over time.
But how much does a dental filling cost? Well, its cost will depend on the material you choose, as indicated above, as well as the amount needed, which depends on the size of the cavity to be repaired.
Basic Aspects of Caries
Don't feel bad about having cavities, you're not the only one! Approximately 20% of Americans experience them, making them the most common of oral problems. But don't worry, thankfully cavities are treatable in the vast majority of cases.
It does not hurt to know how cavities form, how to prevent them and what treatments exist to eliminate them. Let's learn some basic information about cavities below:
How are cavities formed?
Tooth decay begins to form with the accumulation of dental plaque. Plaque is formed by combining bacteria with foods like sweets and other acid-forming substances. When such a combination occurs, a soft, thin film forms on the teeth. Once the plaque remains on your teeth for a time, it becomes the gateway for cavities to form, as this is where small holes begin to form in the tooth enamel. So if you don't provide proper care for your teeth, over time these small holes will get bigger and bigger, causing cavities to form.
Therefore, you should know that a cavity is the product of poor dental care + the consumption of sugary foods and acid-forming substances that produce plaque.
How to prevent cavities?
You can prevent tooth decay by simply doing the following:
º Avoid eating sweet and sugary foods.
º Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
º Flossing frequently, at least once a day.
º Use an antiseptic mouthwash when possible.
º Caring for your diet by eating mostly natural and nutritious foods.
What do you think?
Have you ever had dental fillings, what has been your experience? leave us your opinion in the comment box.
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