Things You Should Know Before Getting Dental Fillings

Dental decay and tooth loss still are the most common reasons why many people around the world have poor oral health. Many lose their adult teeth prematurely because of dental cavities that go untreated. While cavities are common among children, adults too can succumb to deep dental cavities.

Restorative dentistry provides for different ways to repair, restore and maintain teeth, including dental fillings. Fillings have been used for many years in dentistry, and rightfully so, have been reliable for treating damaged teeth.

What Are Dental Fillings?

Dental filling procedures are among the most common procedures in dentistry. They have been used over the years to repair and restore the teeth of patients. Dental fillings different materials that are used to fill the holes created by cavities in teeth. The role of the fillings is to replace the lost part of the tooth while repairing and restoring the tooth thereof.

Dental fillings are typically used in restorative dentistry because of their primary role of restoring damaged teeth. However, versatility in the materials used to manufacture dental fillings allows for them to be used in other specialties of dentistry like cosmetic dentistry. The tooth fillings are used to serve different oral purposes, including the following:

1. Repairing cracked and broken teeth
2. Treating tooth cavities and dental decay
3. Improving the cosmetic appearance of decayed teeth – usually, fillings are used as onlays and inlays, which rely on composite material to realize cosmetically friendly dental fillings.

Important Facts You Should Know About Dental Fillings

While you know that oral fillings will help restore the health of your teeth, how much more do you know about them? Before you determine to get tooth fillings, consider the following interesting facts about these oral appliances:

1. There are different types of dental fillings – to account for the different needs and preferences of patients, dental fillings come in different types. The differences come about due to the materials used to make the dental crowns. The common types include gold, composite, and amalgam or silver fillings. Depending on your dental goals, you can choose the kind of material you prefer for your treatment.
2. They are not permanent – dental fillings are not meant to last you a lifetime. Most of them, like gold fillings, can last you for about 10 years or more. With proper care of your fillings, you can keep them for several years. However, at one point, you will need to visit a tooth filling dentist for a repeat procedure to replace your oral filling.
3. Some materials are not bio-compatible – you can have an allergic reaction to the fillings you have. This is a very common response for patients who get silver dental fillings. The mercury present in the silver alloy can react with your mouth, causing an allergic reaction. However, this is not a common occurrence. It is why you need to talk to a dentist near you before getting any type of dental filling.
4. You may need a dental crown after a dental filling procedure – in some cases, dental fillings in Hempstead, NY, are all you need for the complete restoration of your teeth. However, in other circumstances, a dental crown has to be placed over the filled tooth. This often happens when the filling is too big so that the structure of your natural tooth is not stable enough to support the filling. A dental crown is, therefore, placed over it to reinforce the strength thereof.
5. Not everyone can get dental fillings – when you visit a dentist for fillings, you will learn that the procedure is not for everyone. The dentist first examines your teeth to determine whether or not you need a dental filling. If your tooth is severely decayed, then a dental filling will not be the suitable treatment. Instead, your dentist will recommend tooth extraction and a possible restorative procedure for the lost tooth.
6. Not all dental fillings are covered by dental insurance – typically, dental insurance covers dental fillings because they are restorative dental solutions. However, for some types of dental crowns, they are perceived as cosmetic alternatives, which is why part of the cost may be out-of-pocket. This is why you must talk to your dentist about all your options before considering the type of dental fillings you will get.

If your dentist has recommended dental fillings and your still confused about the procedure, schedule an appointment with our dentist near you at Kane Dental Centers. Our dentist also cater to patients residing in South Hempstead, West Hills, Covington Street, Fairview Lane, St Ann Ct, Downs Road, President Street, and nearby locations.