Using dental fillings to treat cavities is one of the most common types of routine dental care. The American Dental Association reports that approximately 91% of adults will experience at least one cavity in their permanent teeth at some point in time. Fortunately, the high demand for this type of dental work has led to developments that offer patients more options when treating tooth decay.
Before a cavity can be filled, the decay must be removed from the tooth. While traditional drills are still used in many locations, some offices now offer laser dentistry for this step. This can help speed up the process while offering precise results with less noise. Once the tooth is free of decay, a filling is used to restore the shape and function of the tooth.
When it comes to choosing the right type of dental filling for a cavity, patients now have several options. Currently, most people opt for tooth-colored fillings for a more discreet result. However, in certain situations, a metal filling may be the more appropriate choice. A dentist can help patients make the most appropriate selection based on age, dental history and the location of the affected tooth.
When a cavity is filled using a tooth-colored material, the results are more natural looking and less noticeable. Most patients prefer this option when receiving routine dental care for decay towards the front of the mouth. However, some patients can also enjoy the discretion of these materials on back teeth when decay is not too severe. Tooth-colored fillings can be made of:
While porcelain and resin composite are used on exposed tooth areas, glass ionomer fillings are typically used to treat decay below the gum line.
Composite fillings, a popular choice among dentists and patients, can be easily adjusted to match the natural shade of a person's teeth. This type of repair usually lasts for approximately five years in adults with proper oral care. Porcelain fillings, which can also be tinted for a realistic finish, tend to last between 10 and 15 years in a healthy adult.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Routine Dental Care in Culver City, CA.
Traditional fillings were made from amalgam, a combination of silver, tin, copper, mercury and zinc. Patients can also request gold fillings. Both materials are still considered safe by the FDA and are incredibly durable, lasting around 15 years in most patients.
Due to its longevity, amalgam is still used for severe decay in some children. However, the silver appearance can be unsightly. In situations that require the strength of metal, a composite filling can be reinforced with stainless steel, offering patients the best of both worlds when needed.
Cavity treatment is a form of routine dental care that most adults will deal with at some point in life. Fortunately, there are tooth-colored filling options that can help make the work appear more natural. A dentist can offer guidance when making the appropriate choice for a patient's needs.
Request an appointment or call Culver City Dental at 310-272-5405 for an appointment in our Culver City office.
Dental implants are the most popular teeth replacement option these days. These oral prosthetics look and feel like real teeth, plus they do not require anything besides brushing and flossing to keep them in excellent condition.Dental implants do not directly replace missing teeth; instead, they replace the roots that come out with teeth when they…
Losing teeth can be a challenging experience. Not only does it affect your appearance and ability to speak comfortably, but it can also affect how you see yourself. Fortunately, dentures provide an effective solution to restore your smile and oral function. This step-by-step guide will walk through the denture process, from the initial consultation to…
It's not uncommon for new patients to feel anxious about their first preventative dental care appointment. The truth is most people get nervous when they visit the dentist because it can be a vulnerable experience. But there are things you can do to make sure your visit goes as smoothly and painlessly as possible. In…