Alleviate Tooth Pain
Dental Fillings In Garland, TX
Tooth Fillings In Garland, TX
Cavities are a serious and progressive dental condition caused by the destruction of tooth enamel, the hard outer layer that protects the tooth. Untreated tooth decay can result in pain, systemic infection, tooth loss, and bone complications. If left untreated, the infection can spread, leading to a need for performing a root canal and/or tooth extraction. Having cavities repaired doesn’t have to mean a smile full of silver. Dr. Boppana at Perfect 32 Family Dentistry recommends tooth-colored fillings (white Filling) for her Garland, TX, patients.
Treatment of Tooth Cavity!
Different Types Of Tooth Decay
Pit And Fissure Decay
Also called occlusal cavities, these are frequently diagnosed in children and adults who have not been protected with dental sealant. It occurs in irregular contours on the chewing surfaces of molars.
Root Decay
This is common among older adults with receding gums. The exposed portion of the root surface is not protected by enamel, so it is especially susceptible to harmful bacteria.
Smooth Surface Decay
These cavities form on flat surfaces of teeth when bacterial plaque is not removed with conscientious brushing and flossing. In the early stages, these holes in enamel may be repaired with a topical fluoride treatment.
Interproximal Cavity
Smooth surface decay forms on the side of a tooth (between teeth).
What To Expect From Tooth Filling
Initial Examination
With the help of digital X-Rays, your dentist will examine the cavity or the crack and determine if you need a filling. If untreated, this will lead to further infection, decay, and pain.
Local Anesthesia
Your dentist will numb the surrounding area to ensure you don’t feel the pain.
Preparing The Damaged Tooth
Your dentist will remove the decaying area and prepare the cavity area for filling
Applying the Filling
Once the tooth is prepared, depending on the type and extent of the decay your dentist may recommend the correct type of filling material
Finishing Touch
The edges are smoothed and polished to help your filling look natural Your dentist will make sure the filling lines up with your natural bite
Types Of Fillings
Amalgam Filling
Also known as Silver Filling is one of the oldest and most common filling materials used by dentists. The Strength of amalgam makes it an ideal filling material for back teeth which are used for chewing food.
Composite Filling
Also known as White Filling, it is a dental plastic ( synthetic or composite resin fillings) shaded to match the tooth color. It is combined with finely powdered glass for a light-reflective quality that looks like tooth enamel. Once prepared, the material is soft and moldable. The cavity opening is filled with it and is shaped to make it look like natural teeth. Each layer of this process is cured with a special light that makes it hard and durable. With final trimming and polishing, the biggest advantage of white filling is that it blends beautifully with natural tooth structure.
Gold Fillings
Sometimes gold is also used for filling cavities due to its strength and preference on how it looks. while it’s as strong as silver filling it will cost 10 times more than amalgam filling. Metal fillings usually last for 10-15 years.
Ceramic Fillings
A ceramic cavity filling (usually made of porcelain) is a tooth-colored filling that is stain resistant to an extent but ceramic fillings cost nearly as much as gold fillings.
Glass ionomer
It’s a blend of acrylic and glass. The biggest advantage of this filling is that it releases fluoride which helps protect the teeth but this is one with the least durability and needs to be replaced in 5 years.
To repair a cavity, Dr. Boppana removes the decayed area of the tooth structure with a high-speed drill or air abrasion. Then space is filled with a strong material that restores the shape and chewing function of the tooth. Historically, amalgam(commonly called a silver filling) was the go-to filling material. Amalgam gets its silver color from the mercury used as a binding agent. Today, most people prefer an aesthetic approach.
Composite cavity fillings are more economical than porcelain inlays, onlays, or crowns, and all or a portion of the cost is usually covered by dental insurance.
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How To Prevent Tooth Decay
Good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups usually help prevent tooth decay
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
Clean between the teeth using floss.
Eat balanced nutritious food.
Ask for optional dental sealant and fluoride treatment during your dental exam and cleaning.
More information on tooth fillings can be found at www.colgate.com
Don’t delay your dental care to another day. Call our dental office at (469) 804-5677 to schedule an appointment. Conveniently located near N Shiloh and Apollo Rd Intersection, we serve Garland, Richardson, Plano, and surrounding areas