Dental Fillings: What to Expect
If you’re experiencing tooth decay, also known as a cavity, you’re not alone. The CDC estimates that over 90% of American adults experience tooth decay with 80% of people having a cavity by time they’re 34 years old.1 To prevent further damage to your teeth, your dentist may recommend a filling to restore the function and appearance of the tooth, which may cause some anxiety. Fortunately, fillings are nothing to be afraid of. Help ease your mind by knowing the different types of fillings and what’s going to happen before and after you go in for the procedure. Types of Fillings Dental fillings are a bit like they sound. Dentists use a drill to remove decay from the teeth and “fill” the cavity with a durable material. A filling is a material used to fill a cavity after tooth decay is removed. However, not all fillings are the same. They […]
Guide to Dental Crowns
As you think about all the talking, laughing, smiling and eating you do in a day, the strength and overall health of your teeth is crucial. Cavities and tooth decay are caused by a combination of factors, including bacteria in your mouth, frequent snacking, sugary drinks and not brushing your teeth well. Large cavities can cause a tooth to weaken or crack over time which may result in the need for a dental crown. Crowns help restore a tooth’s shape and protect it from further damage with a tooth-shaped cap placed over the tooth. They can also be used to improve the appearance of the tooth and provide needed support. A dental crown may be needed for the following: A tooth that is severely worn down, cracked or weakened. A cavity that is too large for a filling. A tooth that requires a dental bridge or tooth implant. A root […]
Fillings 101 – Everything You Need to Know
Fillings are a restorative dental procedure used to treat tooth decay and repair cracked or broken teeth as well as prevent further damage. According to the CDC National Center for Health Statistics, 91 percent of adults have experienced tooth decay.1 Many people have had a filling by the time they enter adulthood and are likely to continue to need or replace fillings throughout their lifetime. If you need a filling, there are many factors you should consider and discuss with your dentist. Types of Fillings When you receive a filling, the dentist first numbs the tooth and surrounding area before he or she removes the decayed part of the tooth. The dentist then fills the cavity with either an amalgam filling or a composite filling. An amalgam filling is silver in color and made from a combination of different metals including silver, mercury, tin and copper. Although amalgam contains mercury, […]
