What is a tooth filling?
A tooth filling
is a structural and cosmetic repair to a damaged tooth. The most common cause
of tooth fillings is cavities. Tooth decay is the most common dental problem that
exists today. While brushing and flossing
work to prevent tooth decay, even the most careful people often end up with a cavity
in those hard to reach spots, at some point in their lifetime. When a tooth
decays, the enamel wears down, causing pits to form in the tooth. Sometimes,
these pits reach all the way to the center of the tooth, which results in a
severe infection and even a root canal. The best way to stop this decay is by filling the tooth. Once the pit is
cleaned, a filling is inserted into the hole, protecting the sensitive enamel.
What are fillings made of?
Like most
people, you probably want to know what materials are used to fill your teeth.
These materials vary. Fillings are made with a variety of substances, depending
on the needs of the patient receiving it. If your tooth is in a highly visible
location, you most likely want to opt for tooth-colored enamel, plastic, or
resin. However, if the filling is in a less visible location, you can choose a
cheaper material, opting to save money. Surprisingly, gold and silver amalgam fillings
tend to be cheaper than tooth-colored fillings.
How long do fillings take?
When it comes to
scheduling a dental visit, you need to know how long a procedure takes.
Thankfully, fillings are very quick to place in most instances. While
individual times vary, depending on the placement and severity of the cavity,
most take about fifteen minutes to place. However, this does not include the
time it takes for the anesthetic to kick in. Again, times vary person to
person. Most people are comfortably numb and ready for the filling to be placed
in five to ten minutes after receiving the anesthetic.
How long do fillings last?
Your smile is
one of the most important features that people see. For this reason, you want
to know that any work you have done on your teeth will last. While fillings are
quick and affordable, they don’t last forever. Each combination has a different
lifespan. In general, though, you can expect your filling to last about eight
years. However, some materials can last over a decade. This is just an average,
however. If you take care of your teeth and eat carefully with your fillings,
they could last longer. On the other hand, careless treatment wears out a
filling much sooner.
If left
untreated, a cavity could ruin more than just a tooth. You want to correct any
cavities as soon as possible. Your dentist can place a filling in the pit of a
cavity to halt the decay and damage to your tooth. With proper care, you could
be enjoying a strong filling more than ten years down the road. These benefits
more than justify spending fifteen minutes getting the filling in the first
place. If you think you might have a cavity, contact our office
today and schedule an appointment.
