Filing dental fillings involve having the decayed portions of your tooth removed and filled. Following that, the dentist will typically polish and adjust your bite. The entire procedure typically only lasts 20-60 minutes.
There are various filling materials, including composite resin, glass ionomer and silver amalgam. Composites tend to look more natural but may stain, while ceramic fillers offer greater resistance against damage and cost more than amalgams.
Tooth decay
Tooth decay results when bacteria in the mouth produce acids that damage tooth enamel, leading to cavities or infection of either gums or teeth, and possibly leading to painful abscesses (dental abscess).
Tooth decay often begins painlessly, but as it worsens it may lead to sensitive teeth and lead to toothaches or pain in the jaw or face. Left untreated, tooth decay may even destroy a tooth and require extraction (ie: removal).
Tooth decay is an increasingly prevalent problem that affects people of all ages. You can combat tooth decay with healthy eating habits and by brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste as well as making regular visits to your dental practitioner – Healthline offers a Service Finder tool to locate one in your area. Achieving and maintaining good dental health will boost confidence levels while bolstering self-esteem; something which can have positive ramifications both professionally and personally.
Tooth fractures
Tooth fractures, left untreated, can be extremely painful and compromise the functionality of a tooth. Early detection is key, so your dental professional will assess the issue using probes and caries detecting liquid, before taking an x-ray to ascertain the severity of damage.
Fractured cusps can occur as the result of prolonged excessive forces such as those generated from teeth grinding and clenching, trauma or defective restorations. Symptoms may include biting pain, temperature sensitivity and pain upon release of bite pressure.
Craze lines, small chips and other minor fractures can be repaired using cosmetic bonding; it is non-invasive, cost-effective and provides both strength and aesthetic enhancement to teeth. If a crack extends deeper within a tooth then crowning may be required; your dentist can assess the extent of damage and determine the best course of action to restore your smile; in certain instances root canal or dental implant treatment may also be required.
Tooth sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity can cause sharp pain when exposed to hot and cold temperatures, pressure changes, sweet or sour foods/drinks/air. While most cases resolve themselves over time, if yours persists beyond this point it should be assessed by a dentist for possible diagnosis and possible solutions.
Causes for erosion may include cracks in teeth, worn-out fillings or structural damage such as gingival recession. Exposure to acid from conditions like GERD or bulimia can also compromise enamel over time and compromise its structure.
To help reduce tooth sensitivity, your dentist may suggest desensitizing toothpaste or products for at-home application, in combination with regular fluoride treatments and fluoride injections. In more serious cases, root canal procedures or other forms of treatment may be required; so seeing your dentist immediately upon noticing tooth sensitivity is vital in finding its source and receiving effective solutions that suit you.
Tooth discoloration
Tooth discoloration can be embarrassing and have a damaging impact on one’s self-esteem, social interactions and professional functions. Discolored teeth may lead people to feel less confident and prevent them from smiling freely or engaging with others socially.
Food and beverages, smoking and medications can all have an impact on the color of your teeth, as can discoloration. Discoloration can be classified as either intrinsic or extrinsic stains: intrinsic ones affect dentin inside of your tooth while extrinsic ones lie on its exterior enamel layer.
Dental fillings are used to repair damage or decay in teeth. A dentist will typically use composite resin which matches your tooth color for a more natural appearance; once placed on an affected area, light will harden it so as to protect further damage to the enamel and surrounding structures.
