Cavities might start small, but if left untreated, things could get a lot more complicated. Your Charlotte, NC, dentist will probably recommend a dental filling to restore the affected tooth and stop decay in its tracks. But what are fillings for teeth exactly, and what can you expect from the whole process? Let’s break down everything you should know about this essential dental treatment.
What Are Fillings for Teeth? Why Are They Important?
Dental fillings are a restorative treatment aimed at repairing cavities or minor chips, bringing your teeth back to full function, as well as protecting them from further decay. It’s a quick and effective procedure, and one that’s incredibly common. In fact, as much as 91% of American adults have at least one filling. It’s one of the most frequently done restorations in our practice of general dentistry in Charlotte, NC.
How to Know if You Need a Dental Filling?
So, how can you tell if a filling is in your near future? Well, if you’re keeping up with your regular dental cleanings and exams, your chosen general dentist in Charlotte, NC, will be able to detect even the smallest of cavities. If there’s decay going on, they will recommend a filling to stop it from spreading and keep your teeth healthy and strong.Catching these issues early will make everything easier in the long run, so make sure you keep up appearances with your family dentist. Experts from the American Dental Association (ADA) recommend going at least twice a year. Staying consistent with these checkups is one of the simplest ways to protect your smile for years to come.
What Are Dental Fillings Made Of?
Now that we know why they’re used, what are teeth fillings made from? When it comes to the materials used, there are several different options. The solution your Charlotte dentist in SouthPark will recommend depends on the extent of decay and its location. Here are the most commonly used materials for fillings:
- Amalgam – mercury mixed with zinc, copper, silver, and tin,
- Resin composite – a resin base with powdered silica, glass, or quartz,
- Glass ionomer – silica glass powder,
- Gold – gold mixed with copper, tin, palladium, or silver,
- Porcelain – a mixture of minerals like quartz, kaolin, and feldspar.
What Are the Different Types of Dental Fillings?
As you can see, there are plenty of different filling types depending on the materials they’re made from. However, they can also be divided into two main categories – direct and indirect fillings. As the name suggests, the first type is placed directly in your mouth and requires only one dentist appointment. Direct fillings are mainly made from amalgam, resin composite, or glass ionomer.
Then there are indirect fillings, which are made in a laboratory and are usually crafted from gold or porcelain. They typically require two visits, one to take impressions of your tooth and another to actually place it, but it’s also possible to do it in a single appointment if the dentist uses CAD/CAM technology.
What Happens During and After the Dental Filling Treatment?
Before a filling can do its job, the dentist will have to get the tooth ready. You’ll get a local anesthetic to numb the area, and they’ll start to carefully remove the decayed portion of the tooth. Traditionally, this is done with a drill, but some clinics, like Aspire Dental Wellness, use laser dentistry for cavities to make it even more comfortable.
Once the decay is cleaned out thoroughly, the filling can be placed into the cavity and shaped to fit your bite perfectly. If done by an experienced general and cosmetic dentist in Charlotte, NC, they’ll be able to make it look super natural. That way, you’re not only helping your oral health but also getting a smile makeover on top of it!
What Does the Recovery Look Like?
As soon as the appointment is done, you can go right back to your usual routine. You might be feeling mild sensitivity, but that’s totally normal and should go away quickly. Technically, you can eat and drink right away without harming the new filling, just make sure you do it carefully.
How Long Do Dental Fillings Last?
The longevity of a filling depends on the material it’s made from and your oral hygiene routine. Gold fillings can last up to 20 years or more, porcelain options average around 15 years, while amalgam pieces typically hold up for 10 to 15 years. Composite and glass ionomer fillings have the shortest lifespan, usually 5 to 10 years, but they’ve got other advantages.
Of course, even the best dental filling won’t last forever. If one gets loose, worn down, or falls out entirely, don’t panic – just give your Charlotte, NC, dentist a call. They’ll have you patched up and smiling again in no time.
Time for a Filling Fix? Visit Aspire Dental Wellness
Fillings may be small, but they play a big role in protecting your teeth, and taking care of your smile is always worth the trouble. Our team at Aspire Dental Wellness, led by Dr. Sladjana Bjelac, is here to make the process easy and comfortable. If you think it’s time for a checkup or you’ve noticed something’s not quite right, contact us today to schedule an appointment. Our practice of advanced cosmetic & laser dentistry in Charlotte, NC, always has the perfect solution!