What to Expect at the Dentist: Fillings, Crowns and Root Canals
During a regular dental visit, your dentist will thoroughly examine your mouth checking your teeth and gums for dental risks and issues like tooth decay. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) National Center for Health Statistics, 91 percent of adults have experienced tooth decay.1 If your dentist uncovers any decay, he or she will bring those concerns to your attention during your appointment. Some dental issues may require you to schedule another appointment to fully treat the decay and reduce the chance for more serious dental problems in the future. Three common dental procedures your dentist might recommend if they uncover dental decay include: fillings, crowns and root canals. Read below to learn more about these procedures and what to expect. Fillings A filling is a procedure that helps to restore a decayed tooth back to its normal function and shape. A dentist will remove all of […]
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, […]
