Is Dental Fillings a Good Option For Treating Cavities?

Dental cavities are permanently damaged areas in a tooth that develop into tiny holes or openings. They occur when oral bacteria and food debris combine to form acids that erode the tooth enamel. Cavities develop in three types- pit and fissure, smooth surface, or root. When left untreated, cavities become larger. They lead to gum infections, toothache, and tooth loss.

One of the methods the dentist in El Dorado Hills, CA, uses to treat cavities is dental fillings. These are tooth restorations used to repair a decayed tooth that contains cavities. Read on to determine whether fillings are a good option for treating cavities.

Will Dental Fillings Cure Cavities?

No, dental fillings will not cure cavities. Instead, the dentist near you removes the decayed parts during the procedure. The expert then fills the tooth with a dental filling material. A filling helps to stop further decay to the tooth and restores the tooth’s chewing function.

After the treatment, your tooth may still get cavities if you do not maintain proper oral hygiene. You may also get more cavities if you frequently snack on sugary things. Lacking adequate fluoride or suffering from dry mouth and eating disorders also cause cavities. The dentist in El Dorado Hills, CA, recommends glass ionomer fillings to help prevent further decay.

How Dental Fillings Fit Into Cavity Treatment?

You may have toothache and tooth sensitivity symptoms when you have a cavity. For example, you may experience pain when eating something sugary or biting down. As the cavity progresses into the tooth, symptoms become severe. This is because the inner part of the tooth is exposed.

When bacteria reach the tooth roots and nerves, the infection and inflammation continue. To stop the progression of decay, your dentist removes the decay by using a laser or drill. As a result, the hole becomes larger, and the tooth’s structure is weakened. This is where a filling comes in.

Dental fillings in El Dorado Hills, CA, are placed on this tooth to replace the part of the tooth destroyed by decay. They strengthen the tooth and prevent it from cracking or chipping. Fillings also prevent bacteria or plaque from building inside the cavity.

The dentist near you may incorporate fillings in other tooth decay treatments such as dental crowns and root canals. For example, if the structure of a tooth is severely compromised due to decay. The dentist may use dental fillings before placing a crown over it. Likewise, after a root canal treatment, fillings are used to seal the exposed inner parts of the tooth.

Different Types of Dental Fillings

The dentist in El Dorado Hills, CA, may use either of these fillings materials to repair damage by tooth decay.

• Silver Amalgam Fillings

They consist of silver, tin, mercury, and copper. Silver amalgam fillings are durable and sturdy and can withstand chewing forces. However, they may not be a good option for treating front teeth. In addition, they are not aesthetically pleasing but are suitable for molars.

• Composite Fillings

Composite fillings consist of tooth-colored resin-based composites. These fillings look similar to the natural tooth and are not easily noticed. This feature makes them suitable for repairing your smiling teeth.

• Glass Ionomer Fillings

They consist of acrylic and glass and are used for teeth that do not receive pressure when chewing. The glass releases fluoride to the tooth to help prevent cavities. Glass ionomer fillings are suitable for front teeth since they are tooth-colored.

• Porcelain Fillings

These are fillings made of durable porcelain material that looks like natural teeth. Porcelain fillings are made in the laboratory using an impression of your tooth. They are stain-resistant and used to fill large cavities.

• Gold Fillings

Gold fillings are a mix of gold, copper, and other metals alloys. Although expensive, they are most durable compared to different types of fillings. In addition, they are suitable for molars and premolars since the material can withstand chewing forces. Some people also use them on their front teeth.

Contact us at El Dorado Hills Town Center Dental if you have a cavity that requires a dental filling. You can also schedule an appointment if your current fillings need to be replaced. We are committed to providing top-notch dental care for the entire family.