Explore our Dental Fillings
The one word no one wants to hear while they are sitting in a dental chair is “cavity”. Unfortunately, dental cavities are very common. They have many different causes from diet and oral health practices, to genetics and even geometry of our teeth. Here at Pemberton Dental Associates, we provide tooth-colored dental fillings that can help save your teeth and be virtually invisible when you smile.
What causes dental cavities?
There are actually many different factors that influence our dental health. Some of them are very much in our control, while others can be a bit more luck of the draw. First and foremost, the three best things you can do to promote dental health are to take care of your teeth and gums daily, eat/drink the right things, and of course see a dentist. Every dental issue is an issue that grows and worsens over time. A quick dental visit every six months ensures that problems don’t progress and are treated as they arise.
There are some other lifestyle factors to consider when it comes to your oral health. For example, tobacco products (whether smoking or chewing) can lead to dental decay and gum disease. Foods and beverages that are high in sugar and acidity also weaken our teeth and promote the growth of bacteria.
There are some genetic elements as well. The shape of our teeth can be influenced by our genetics and can make it easier for dental decay to spread. Some people are more susceptible to dental decay than others.
What Should I Do If A Filling Feels Loose
A filling does not make your tooth invulnerable to damage. In fact, at the point where the filling meets the tooth, there might be a crevice where bacteria can grow and create a new cavity. This can lead to a filling getting loose or even falling out. In those cases, you will need the filling replaced as soon as possible. A lost filling can be a dental emergency. The remaining tooth is extremely vulnerable to infection or even breaking under pressure. If you notice that a filling is loose or it feels off, call a dentist right away.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Fillings
What Are Dental Fillings Made Out Of?
There are many different types of materials that can be used for dental fillings. For example, in the past many people received metal fillings although many dentists have stopped using metal because of how they look compared to the rest of the tooth. Most dental fillings done nowadays are done with a dental composite which is made using resin and other materials. These fillings are designed to look the same color as your natural tooth.
What is The Process Of Getting A Dental Filling?
A dental filling is a common dental treatment. While different dentists might do things a little differently (i.e. use different materials) the standard treatment goes as follows. First and foremost your dentist will use a numbing cream to lightly numb the injection sites. After that area is numb they will use a needle to inject an anesthetic in the treatment area. Once you are completely numb your dentist will remove the decayed section of the tooth and then fill the tooth with a filling material. Your dentist will have you bite down a piece of paper to make sure that the filling is aligned properly and not messing up your bite alignment.
Does It Hurt To Get A Filling?
If you have never had a dental filling you might be worried that it is going to be painful. To be transparent, modern dental solutions have come a long way to decrease any discomfort a patient could feel and dentists work hard to make sure their patients are comfortable. That said, there may be some discomfort towards the beginning of your appointment. Patients might feel a slight pinch when a local anesthetic is injected into the area where the filling will be done.
Is It Normal For My Filling To Hurt After My Appointment?
During the filling process you will be numbed. That numbness will likely continue for an hour or so after you appointment. As the numbness fades it is not uncommon to feel some soreness or light discomfort. That discomfort should fade as well. However, if your filling hurts for weeks after you get it, you should call your dentist. A high filling is a filling where the filling is not lined up with the tooth correctly which can cause pressure on the tooth leading to discomfort.
How Long Do Fillings Last?
Unfortunately nothing is truly permanent. A filling might need to be replaced 7-10 years after you receive it. Fillings can get damaged over time which can eventually lead to the filling breaking, getting loose, or falling out. The best way to extend the lifespan of a filling is to practice good oral care. This means brushing and flossing daily and seeing your dentist twice a year. This is also helpful because your dentist can notice an issue with a filling early on and help fix it instead of the filling break or fall out.
What Should I Do If A Filling Falls Out?
Call a dentist immediately. A lost filling often exposes the inside of your tooth to bacteria. You should avoid putting food in your mouth and rinse your mouth out with warm salt water to prevent bacteria from infecting your tooth. If there is bleeding you should use a clean piece of cloth or medical gauze. If there is pain and swelling, you should use an ice pack or cold compress. No matter what, your priority should be to see a dentist promptly to have the filling replaced.
Do Dental Fillings Leak?
A patient might experience something called a leaky filling. This happens because liquid is getting between the filling and the tooth. This usually indicates that the tooth around the filling is eroding and a new cavity might be forming. If you notice liquid leaking from your filling, call a dentist and have them take a look. You may need to have your filling replaced.
Dental Services We Offer
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Dental Fillings
Dental Fillings from Pemberton Dental Associates Explore our Dental Fillings The one word no one wants to hear while they are sitting in a dental chair is “cavity”. Unfortunately, dental cavities are very common. They have many different causes from diet and oral health practices, to genetics and even geometry of our teeth. Here at […]
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