About Dentist Fillings

Regularly scheduled dental cleanings will help you maintain good oral hygiene as well as throughouly clean your teeth and gums. Despite proper brushing, flossing and trips to the dentist, cavities somehow manage to sneak into the enamel of your teeth.
Today, options for fillings have more of a variety from which to choose, other than the questionable mercury-based fillings. Each option is determined by the nature of the cavity.

Significance

Dental fillings are used to repair the tooth's enamel when it has been damaged by a cavity, fracture or abrasion. The procedure to fill a tooth is done in the dentist's office. However, the procedure is quite expensive. Dental insurance plans generally only pay a percentage of the cost of a filling. Some plans do not cover the cost at all.

Function

The process of filling a tooth is begun with the dentist deadening the area with a local anesthetic.
Once the tooth and surrounding area are completely numb, the dentist will clean the damaged area by removing debris and decay. The tooth is repaired by using one of the filling options.
Within a few hours following the proceedure, feeling will return to the numbed area.

Types

Years ago, cavities were only filled with a substance referred to as "amalgam." Amalgam is composed of mercury, silver, copper and tin. It is believed to be the strongest and most durable filling material. Despite years of claims that amalgam has been the cause of harmful side effects due to the mercury, the FDA has never concluded to any valid cases. Amalgam is commonly used to repair molars.
Acrylic resin is a powdery substance used for filling a cavity or repairing a broken tooth. Acrylic resin is easily matched to the shade of the tooth enamel. It is considered to be strong and durable, making it an alternative to amalgam fillings.
Ionomer, both glass and acrylic resin, are another popular fililng alternative. Acrylic acid and glass powder ionomers are made to match the shade of the tooth.
Glass ionomers are used when repair is needed on the root surface of the tooth. This type of filling is not made to withstand the stressful process of chewing.
Because the material is so brittle, acrylic resin ionomer fillings are commonly used to repair baby teeth.

Misconceptions

It is a common misconception that you should not repair a tooth due to the fact that insurance does not pay for the procedure. Most dentists will offer you a payment plan to help with the cost.

Benefits

Fillings are beneficial to prolong the health of your teeth and gums. If a small cavity is ignored, it may lead to further and more complicated matters such as an absessed tooth.

Warning

If you feel pain and unusual discomfort following a filling procedure, contact your dentist immediately.