Tooth Repair With Dental Fillings
Tooth Repair With Dental Fillings
The most common type of dental repair work is the removal of the decayed part of the tooth and the use of dental fillings to replace the void that is caused by the decay.
Dental fillings are an easier and less expensive way to fix tooth cavities. It is important to catch tooth decay early, when this easier method of repair can be used. Regular dental checkups can detect tooth decay before it becomes a dental emergency requiring more extensive dental procedures.
The image shows a molar that indicates the void caused by significant tooth decay, also known as dental caries.
Timing Is Everything!
It is important to address this common problem of tooth decay as quickly as you can.
As can be deduced from the image, a tooth with a hole in it is structurally unsound. Biting a piece of ice (not a good thing in and of itself), chewing a handful of nuts, or biting a piece of hard candy can easily fracture this tooth and cause excruciating pain.
Also, if the decay is allowed to continue, it will eventually reach the nerve. As in the precious example, you can expect to have a dental emergency that could have been totally prevented with regular checkups and dental care.
Adult Teeth vs Baby Teeth
Primary teeth (baby teeth) can be plagued with dental caries even more so than adult teeth due to lower dental hygiene practice and higher consumption of foods that promote decay. The pain issues, however, are the same as in adult teeth.
One major concern about adult teeth is that, unlike the primary teeth, the body does not replace them. Finding dental caries early, treating them and restoring the structural integrity of the tooth, will protect you from future pain, and most importantly tooth loss.
What is tooth decay?
We all have bacteria in our mouths. That is normal and natural. The fluids of the mouth and the bacteria in it are the first stage of our digestive system. We can't do without it.
However, as the bacteria begins its work, a byproduct of this digestion process is an acid that can, given time, eat away the enamel of the tooth and continue to eat at the inner tooth structures.
You may have noticed that through the day a sticky substance or film forms on your teeth (and gums). This is called plaque, and most everyone has heard of it, due to the constant advertisement on TV commercials.
Plaque is what contains that bacteria.
Once you have swallowed your food, you don't need that bacteria to hang around in your mouth till the next meal. That's why we brush - and floss.
If we don't brush, we get cavities. Plain and simple.
Today we take for granted that most everyone has nice looking (if not straight and perfect) teeth.
In the past this was not the case.
Rotting teeth, stinking breath, and ugly smiles were the norm. Not quite what Hollywood depicts, eh?
Two hundred years ago, we didn't know what we do about plaque, bacteria and brushing. Did you know that George Washington had false teeth made of WOOD!
Just think of all the pain he endured over a long period of time and the multiple extractions and the embarrassment of using those false teeth without anything to stick them to his gums.
Yes, today we have better ways to make those problems go away. But the best thing you can do is to brush daily. Of equal importance, catch these problems early, via regular checkups with your dentist, thus enabling you to take care of any problems in the least painful way.
How Does The Dental Filling Procedure Work?
If you have a cavity, your Dr. Hamilton will suggest one of many methods to stop the decay dead in it's tracks. Depending on the location and extent of the damage your dentist may choose that a filling is the best match for your situation.
If that is the case, he will first remove all the decay using dental tools including a drill. Not to worry! For a filling you will probably need a local anesthetic which will prevent you from feeling pain. If you are extremely anxious about the procedure, he may suggest a little Nitrous Oxide.
Once the cavity has been cleaned of all decay, and the affected area has been thoroughly cleaned, Dr Hamilton will use a special material to fill and "patch" affected area so that bacteria is kept from entering the tooth.
The filling material can be any of a the variety of materials described below.
So, What is a Dental Filling Made Of?
Dental fillings are composed of various materials used to fill those voids made in your teeth by decay and the process of removing it. Common fillings are made of amalgam, composite resin, or gold. The amalgam is just an alloy of several metals like silver, copper, tin and yes mercury.
Why so many choices? Which one is best?
Some fillings last longer than others. Some look nicer. And, some have a bad reputation (Did I mention Mercury?). The cost per filling is also something that you should consider - if the size of your budget is an issue.
I'm going to list each and their pros and cons for you so you can decide what is best for you.
Pros And Cons Of Dental Filling Types
Gold
Pros:
- Less interaction with sensitive gum tissue,
- Longest lasting (20 years)
Cons:
- Expensive,
- Can't be done on one visit to the dentist.
Amalgam
Pros:
- inexpensive,
- fairly wear resistant
Cons:
- aesthetic issues (not the same color of the teeth),
- not an option for more visible front teeth.
- Controversy over Mercury content.
Composites
Pros:
- Way less expensive than Gold and Porcelain,
- Easily match tooth color,
- all work done in one office visit
Cons:
- Can be stained by tobacco and coffee,
- Don't last as long as the other types of fillings,
- more easily chipped.
Porcelain
Pros:
- Can better match the original tooth color,
- stain resistant
Cons:
- Requires more than one visit,
- expensive (costs nearly as much as gold)
Dr. Hamilton uses composite filling material for most of his patients. He does work with all the other materials as well. If you have questions about what material is best for your situation he will be glad to discuss it with you.