Dental Fillings | A dental filling restores a damaged tooth to its normal function and shape. During a dental filling, the dentist first removes your decayed tooth, cleans the affected area before filling the cavity with the dental filling material.
Types of Dental Fillings
The extent of the repair determines the best material, composite resin or amalgam. The materials for filling vary in both strength and color. An amalgam dental filling is one of the most common with dentists having used it for over a century now. This means that the method has been tested time and time again, tried and proven to work. Research on the material is still ongoing.
The amalgam material is solid, hence it is ideal for filling the molars where heavy chewing takes place. The material is a blend of various metallic elements and can be noticeable when you smile or laugh. Amalgam fillings are one of the most affordable fillings
Composite fillings, also known as filled resins or just composites on the other hand feature a combination of glass and quartz. They can also be made to match your tooth’s color. They are suitable for small and midsized restorations where moderate chewing takes place
The metal filling is yet another type used for a cavity filling. Gold and silver are the typical metal choice when it comes to metal fillings. Given the opulence of gold, the filling costs ten times more than silver amalgam. Besides being costly, people chose gold over silver due to its metal durability over silver or any other composite.
Ceramic fillings made of porcelain are not prone to tooth stains like composite cavity filling are. A ceramic filling is tooth colored and can cost as much as a gold filling.
Dental Restoration
In general, the dentist examines the tooth before performing the procedure. If the fracture or decay affects a large portion of the tooth, then a crown is best recommended.
Another instance is where a dental filling may not be recommended when the damage has reached a nerve. The problem may be treated through root canal therapy where the damaged nerve is removed or via the pulp capping procedure where attempts are made to keep the nerve alive
Dental Filling Worcester MA
In brief, only a dentist can detect and recommend filling during a checkup. He will need the use of a small mirror to examine each tooth’s surfaces. He will take a closer look when there is an abnormality in your tooth. This can be facilitated by using specialized instruments for this procedure. He may also decide to Xray the particular mouth section for a more in-depth observation.
Learn More
Dental fillings are highly recommended to restore a tooth. Learn more about improving your dental health with an exam. We will identify areas in your mouth that need improvement and discuss treatment options. Our office happily accepts new patients and most insurances. Call (508) 754-0918 or book an appointment online. Moreover, our dental office is located at 715 Pleasant Street Worcester, MA 01602.
