How Dental Fillings Prevent Further Tooth Decay

Getting a dental filling for cavities can help improve your oral health. This treatment can seal the tooth and prevent future decay. Knowing how this treatment helps with cavities can convince you to keep dental appointments. Here are the details on how a dental filling can keep your tooth cavity-free.

The role of dental fillings

A dental filling is a dental restoration that repairs a decayed tooth. The dentist will remove the decayed area to prevent it from spreading. Filling the space after removing the decayed parts can restore the tooth’s strength, shape, and function. The dental filling will prevent bacteria from penetrating the tooth. It will also protect the enamel and prevent decay from reaching the neighboring teeth. This restoration can also preserve the dental tooth structure and prevent the need for more expensive and extensive dental treatments in the coming years.

This treatment cannot reverse the symptoms of dental decay. But it can stop the pain by sealing the affected tooth. Reversing the symptoms of dental decay is possible with fluoride treatments at the clinic. Studies show that this naturally occurring element can stop the progression of dental decay. The dentist can also provide dental sealants. This preventive treatment can shield the chewing surfaces from bacteria and food particles.

The types of fillings

Dentists can offer different types of fillings. Each dental filling has its uses and benefits. Amalgam and composite resin fillings are the most common ones. The former are a mixture of copper, mercury, and silver. It is inexpensive and durable. The latter are tooth-colored, which makes the restoration unnoticeable.

Other types of fillings available are those made of porcelain and gold. These restorations are more attractive. But they are more expensive. Porcelain fillings are ideal for teeth that show when performing dental functions. Gold fillings appear darker, so dentists use them on the back teeth.

The procedure

After a complete assessment, the dentist will numb the area with a local anesthetic, making the procedure painless. Drilling away the decayed areas will follow. The dentist will then clean, disinfect, and roughen the area. Research shows that most patients prefer composite resin because it is tooth-colored and unnoticeable. The dentist will apply and shape the dental filling. Exposing it to a curing light will harden and fix it.

Aftercare

Following the dentist’s aftercare instructions is important in preventing future dental decay. Once the dental filling is in place, it needs to stay intact. There will be some sensitivity after the treatment, but this discomfort will fade after a few days. Practice good oral care every day. Floss, brush, and use antimicrobial mouthwash. Avoid chewy and crunchy foods to prevent dislodging or breaking the restoration.

Keep follow-up dental appointments to keep an eye on the dental filling. These visits can help the dentist spot and treat any possible issues that may spring up. The dentist will also perform professional dental cleaning. This treatment can keep the natural dental structures healthy. Caring for the new dental filling can prevent more dental decay from developing.