Dental Teeth Fillings

If you have never had a cavity, congratulations to you! However, if you have had one, you definitely are not alone. Approximately 78% of us have had at least one cavity by the time we reach age 17, according to a 2000 report by the U.S. Surgeon General. Rest easy though, because there is a time-tested treatment for cavities: the dental filling. Tooth Fillings Boston do just what their name implies – they seal a small hole in your tooth caused by decay. A filling will prevent the decay from spreading further into your tooth and, if untreated, continue on to the sensitive nerve tissue located in the root canal, and then a root canal would be the treatment of choice.

There are a variety of materials used to fill teeth. Regardless, the process of filling a tooth is similar. The first step is a clinical exam of the tooth with x-rays to determine the extent of the decay. Then the decayed area of the tooth is removed, usually via drilling. No worries, your tooth will be numbed first so you will not feel any discomfort. It is possible that taking an anti-anxiety medication or using nitrous oxide can help you feel more relaxed during the drilling process. After the decay is removed, the remaining structure of the tooth is etched with a mildly acidic solution; then translucent cement is applied to bond the tooth and the filling material together. There are two broad categories of dental fillings: metal and tooth-colored fillings.

Metal Fillings

Amalgam – The classic “silver” filling used for more than a century. Amalgam is an alloy made up of mercury, silver, tin, and copper. The mercury combines with the other metals in the amalgam to make it stable and safe. Amalgam fillings are strong and inexpensive, but quite noticeable. Plus, they require relatively more tooth preparation (drilling) than other types.

Cast Gold – Among the most expensive restorative dental materials, cast gold combines with other metals for a very strong, long-lasting filling, it is also very noticeable.

 Tooth-Colored Fillings

Composite – A popular choice if you don’t want the fillings to be noticeable. Composite is a mixture of plastic and glass, which bonds to the rest of the tooth. Composites are more expensive than amalgam fillings. Less drilling of the tooth is necessary also in comparison to an amalgam filling.

Porcelain – These high-tech dental ceramics are strong, lifelike, and do not stain as composites can. They tend to be more expensive than composites because they may require use of a dental laboratory. Porcelain is the most aesthetic filling, but is also more brittle because of the high glass content.

Glass Ionomer – Made of acrylic and glass powders, these inexpensive, translucent fillings have the advantages of blending in pretty well with natural teeth, while releasing small amounts of fluoride to help prevent decay. They generally do not last as long as other restorative materials.

Within a couple hours after getting a filling, the numbness from the local anesthesia should wear off. Until then, it is best to avoid drinking hot or cold liquids, and eating on the side of your mouth where the new filling is. If sensitivity to hot and cold should persist beyond a couple of weeks, or you have pain when biting, it could all indicate that adjustments need to be made to your filling. Continue to brush and floss as normal and visit the dentist regularly for cleaning. Remember that tooth decay is a very preventable disease that starts with your good oral hygiene habits.