Is it always best to choose a white filling? What happens if I don't get a filling? Find out all the answers here!
According to a study conducted by Public Health England,Dental caries is the most common oral health problem which affects both adults and children in England. And every year the number of people who need fillings increases.
Fillings usually occur when our teeth develop cavities (decayed areas of the tooth that turn into small holes or openings). But despite being one of the most commonly performed dental treatments, it is still relatively misunderstood.
How do fillings work?
When you first arrive at the dentist, he or she will sedate you (if you are afraid of the dentist) and inject your infected tooth with xylocaine. Xylocaine helps numb the gums so you can experience dentistry without pain. A high-speed dental bur is then used to remove the area of the tooth that is decayed.
Once the tooth is prepared, a liner is placed inside it to reduce any sensitivity that may occur. Depending on the depth of the filling, a base may also be used in conjunction with the liner. The base provides insulation so that the tooth is not affected by extremes of heat and cold.
Once the base and liner are in, the space left by removing the rotted material will then be filled with whatever type of filling you choose. Regardless of the type of filling you choose, all will seal spaces where bacteria can enter the tooth and cause further cavities.
What is the best filling?
The type of filling that will be best for you is incredibly subjective and is based on a number of factors. Here are the main factors that will be considered:
- The extent of the cavity
- Allergies to certain materials
- The exact location of the cavity
- Financial accessibility
There are four types of fillings available:
- Gold fillings
- Silver fillings
- Porcelain fillings
- Composite resins
Gold fillings are the most expensive and often require multiple appointments with the dentist for the process to be complete. These are the most effective because they align well with the gum tissue and last up to two decades. So, if you can afford to get this type of filling, then it is definitely the best one you can get.
Silver fillings are the least expensive option, but they are not the most aesthetically pleasing. The color of these fillings is why they are usually used in areas of the mouth that are not immediately visible.
Porcelain fillings arebutter produced in a laboratory and then bonded to your tooth. These Fillings usually cover most of the tooth, and the color matches the overall appearance of your teeth. However, porcelain fillings are not cheap and often cost as much as gold fillings.
And finally, we have composite resins, which also fit the bill.It matches the color of your teeth and provides an overall natural appearance. The ingredients for these are put directly into your cavity and then left to harden.
What if I have dental anxiety?
If you are nervous about getting a filling or just nervous about going to the dentist in general, then here are some tips to help you get through it:
- Share your fears with your dentist/dental nurse so they can reassure you.
- Take someone with you to the appointment to support you.
- Establish hand signals with your dentist so you can tell them when you feel uncomfortable.
- Choose a quieter time for your appointment so that neither you nor the dentist are in a rush.
- Choose a dentist with good reviews.
Knowing how fillings work and which one is best for you is the first step to making the right decision. Talk to your dentist for more information if you're still unsure about which filling to choose.
Source: enlightensmiles.com
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