Eating a healthy diet, brushing and flossing daily along with seeing your dentist regularly are some of the best ways to avoid dental decay. Dental decay is caused by the bacteria in your mouth, which produce acidic waste in response to the foods you eat. This acid can dissolve the enamel on your teeth and create a hole called a dental cavity. While other injuries in your body may be able to heal without medical intervention, cavities cannot. Your dentist should remove the decayed portion of the tooth and then fill the area with a dental filling. Several kinds of dental fillings are available.
Amalgam is the most affordable kind of dental filling. It is made of mercury, silver, copper, tin and zinc. Your dentist will remove the decay from your tooth and form retention grooves to hold the amalgam filling. Because healthy tooth structure has to be removed to place the filling, tooth fractures can take place over time. Additionally, amalgam is less aesthetically pleasing and can turn from silver to black over time. Still, it is a very strong, durable filling and can last well over a decade when properly maintained.
Composite resins are the most typical white dental fillings available these days. White fillings are designed to closely resemble the natural tooth color and provide a subtle, natural-looking restoration. While they are extremely strong and durable, they are not quite as strong as amalgam. Unlike amalgam, composite resin forms a chemical bond with the tooth, which means that less healthy tooth structure has to be removed during the placement of the filling. The tooth will then have a better chance of remaining strong and healthy over time.
Another white filling option is glass ionomer. Similar to composite resin, glass ionomer bonds chemically to the tooth, but it is not as strong or durable as composite resin or amalgam. It also tends to stain easily. Yet, some dentists prefer glass ionomer as ionomer can release fluoride throughout the lifetime of the filling, which strengthens the tooth itself.
Porcelain fillings are stronger, more durable and more stain resistant than other tooth-colored fillings. As with other white fillings, porcelain bonds directly with the tooth, and it can even strengthen the tooth after placement. The main drawback to porcelain fillings is the cost. Porcelain fillings are more complex than other dental fillings, and they require two dental visits instead of one.
You and your dentist will work together to determine the best dental filling choice for your teeth. Composite resin and glass ionomer are usually good options for small cavities while larger cavities may need amalgam fillings, porcelain fillings or dental crowns. Once the decay has been removed and the cavity filled, brushing and flossing after meals will help keep your teeth, gums and restorations in good condition.
You can visit WilshireDentalCare.com for more information. Our Los Angeles dental fillings, white fillings, tooth-colored fillings and amalgam dental fillings specialist can help you find the right treatment options for your dental problems.