If you have cavities in your teeth, then you will need fillings to make the teeth stronger after the decay is removed. It is also possible for a dentist to use the same type of filling material to repair a chipped or cracked tooth. Dental fillings are versatile restorations that can make your teeth last longer while you chew food, but these items can also help you to have a more beautiful smile. A filling is made from several types of substances that include:
• Gold
• Amalgam
• Ceramic
• Glass
• Composite
• Silver
In the past, fillings for your teeth were primarily made from metal, and these are still suitable for the teeth that are toward the back of the mouth. However, more individuals are seeking dental restorations that have a natural appearance. Fortunately, composite and ceramic fillings are more durable than in the past, so you can have a beautiful restoration that is strong enough to withstand chewing on hard foods.
A Dentist Must Prepare Your Teeth
There are two types of dental fillings available for your teeth, and your dentist will offer advice about the best variety to use. There are indirect and direct fillings available, and some types of fillings are labeled according to the location of the fillings. An indirect filling is made in a laboratory by a technician who uses the measurements provided by a dentist. A direct filling is injected or placed into a tooth by the dentist, and it is shaped or polished to fit properly. A dentist will examine all of your teeth during a routine checkup, or alternatively, you might visit a dentist when you have a toothache. There are two main steps when a filling is required, including preparing the tooth for the restorative material and the actual placement of the material. Preparation of a tooth often occurs when your mouth is numbed, and the dentist can use equipment such as lasers or rotary cutters. It is essential for the dentist to remove all of the bacteria along with the decayed material from the tooth to prevent additional infection.
How Are Fillings Placed In or On the Teeth?
Direct restorations occur during one office visit, and the dentist will mix the filling substance right away. For color-matching fillings, your dentist may want to whiten the other teeth to make a substance that is more attractive. The metal, composite or ceramic substance is pressed carefully into the cavity of a tooth while it is still malleable, and your dentist may use a heat lamp or laser to help the substance dry quickly. A dentist can polish and shape the substance to create a sturdy biting surface or to make a tooth look natural. Indirect fillings are attached to teeth with a special resin so that the restoration will remain in place.
Contact Us Today
To learn more about dental fillings for your teeth, contact us at North View Dental Associates LLC in North Ogden, Utah at 801-528-9099.
