A dental filling is an extremely useful procedure performed to keep teeth healthy. When you receive a dental filling, it is important to understand how to best care for it. Continue reading to learn everything dental fillings entail.
Maintenance and Care
Firstly, caring for your dental filling in Edmonton will require good oral hygiene. This should involve flossing daily, brushing twice daily using a fluoride toothpaste and making use of antibacterial mouthwash, once per day. Additionally, caring for your fillings will require biannual visits to your dentist in Edmonton for a cleaning and examination.
Maintaining regular dental cleanings will ensure your dentist has insight into your overall health. During a dental examination, your dentist can identify a cracked filling. In which case, X-rays will be taken to determine if the filling needs to be replaced. It is important to note; that tooth pain is not unusual during the first two to four weeks following a dental filling procedure. You may experience sensitivity to hot and cold foods, pressure and cold air. The most effective strategy is to continue practicing good oral hygiene and avoid any foods or beverages that could intensify the pain.
Note, if your pain does not abate after a couple of weeks, your dentist in Edmonton may apply a desensitizing salve to the tooth or suggest using a desensitizing toothpaste.
When are Dental Fillings Required?
The most common use for a dental filling is when a patient has a cavity. If you have a cavity, your dentist will begin by removing the decayed portion of your tooth and then “filling” the empty spot. However, this is not its only use, fillings can also be used to repair teeth that are broken, cracked or worn down.
In the past, mercury was the preferred choice when it came to filling material. Specifically, silver amalgam which is comprised of silver, mercury, zinc, tin, and copper. Gold and porcelain fillings are widely used. Also, tooth-coloured composite resin fillings are quite popular. Glass ionomer which consists of glass particles is a newer material used for fillings. Ultimately, your choice of filling will be influenced by the cost, your insurance coverage as well as the location and the extent of the decay. Each material listed above contributes to the protection of teeth and prevents patients from acquiring further damage and decay.
Dental Fillings Near You
The following materials each have their own strengths:
(1) Gold
Generally, gold fillings have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years and can exceed this timeframe. This type of filling does not corrode, is resistant against prolonged chewing and wear and tear. Also, some patients prefer the appearance of gold fillings over amalgam silver.
(2) Amalgam Silver
Amalgam silver fillings have the same durability and strength as gold fillings. Typically, they outlast resin composite. Additionally, this type of filling is more affordable than tooth-coloured composite fillings.
(3) Tooth-Coloured Composite
Most of our patients opt for tooth-coloured composite fillings as they closely resemble the existing tooth colour. Not only that, composites can chemically bond with existing tooth structure, thereby strengthening their support. Plus, in some cases using composite fillings is a more conservative approach, meaning less existing tooth must be removed when preparing for the filling.
(4) Glass Ionomer
This type of filling shares similarities with composite fillings, however, one advantage of glass ionomer fillings is that they release fluoride which helps shield against tooth decay.
Interested in learning more about dental fillings near you? Schedule an appointment with your dentist in Edmonton. If you require a filling, they will help you decide which filling type is most suitable for your conditions.
