Dental fillings, also referred to as dental restorations, are used to fill in cracks, chips, or missing sections of a tooth. These fillings are not only meant to enhance the cosmetic appearance of the tooth, but they also are designed to help the tooth function normally. Without dental fillings, some teeth would not be useful for chewing or helping the individual speak.
Dental fillings are used for a variety of purposes. The most typical reason a patient needs a filling is to fill and seal a hole in the tooth made when the dentist removes a cavity. The dental filling prevents the tooth from cracking or breaking, and seals the inside of the tooth from food and bacteria that can cause an infection.
However, dental fillings can also restore the structure and appearance of a tooth that was cracked or damaged in an accident. In this instance, the dental filling acts in a similar way as it does when the filling is used to restore a tooth damaged by decay. The filling reshapes and protects the tooth, as well as restores its function.
A final use for dental fillings is to restore a tooth that had to be reshaped to place a dental device. For example, when dental bridges, or permanent partial dentures, are placed in the mouth, the adjacent teeth have to be reshaped to hold the wires that support the bridge. Dental fillings can cover and protect the areas that were reshaped.
Dental fillings can be made in a number of materials. The kind of material that the dentist uses will depend on your personal preferences, as well as the size and location of the area that needs to be filled. The classic choice for fillings is a silver amalgam material. This dental filling is made from a mixture of silver, mercury, copper, and other materials. These fillings are very durable, and they frequently last 10 to 15 years before they should be replaced. This durability makes them ideal for filling areas in teeth that get a lot of use, such as the molars. Still, the silver color of the dental fillings makes them stand out, which may make these fillings a better choice for teeth that are more hidden.
Most patients prefer dental fillings that match the tooth. There are a variety of options for white fillings, such as dental porcelain, composite resin, or ceramic fillings. Because these fillings match the tooth, they are ideal for teeth that are in the front of the mouth and are seen frequently. Yet, these fillings are less durable than silver amalgam dental fillings, and they may take longer to place.
Consult your dentist to determine if a dental filling is appropriate for your problem. He can evaluate your issue and recommend a solution, whether it is a filling or an alternative, such as a dental crown. Your dentist can also recommend a specific kind of filling, if one is required.
Various types of dental fillings are used for restoring teeth. Silver dental fillings and white fillings are some of them.