Tooth Fillings in Dallas, & Duncanville, TX
Tooth Fillings: Dental health should also be taken as important as the overall body health as it’s a key indicator of your overall well-being. Improving your dental health by practicing good oral hygiene can help you prevent a wide range of dental diseases that can damage the teeth. Having poor oral health either due to extremely damaged or decayed teeth can lead to tooth loss.
The presence of the gap left behind by a missing tooth can make one feel uncomfortable but fortunately, there are dental restoration procedures to help with this. One of the most common tooth restorations is tooth filling. Highlighted in this article are what tooth fillings are, why you might need one, the procedure, and all other things you need to know about this dental procedure.
What are Tooth Fillings?
Tooth fillings are a single or combination of plastic, metal, glass, or other materials to restore the structure and function of a missing tooth. A dental filling is used in the treatment of tiny holes or cavities in the enamel of damaged or broken teeth. There are different types of materials used for this fillings. There’s the silver amalgam filling, composite filling, ceramics filling, gold filling, and composite resin filling. You will be learning more about the different dental filling materials before the end of this article.
Pros of Tooth Filling
- Improves the teeth’ structure.
- Strengthen broken or damaged teeth.
- Prevents further development of cavity and decay.
- Restore the teeth function.
Cons of Tooth Filing
- It’s associated with potential side effects including infection.
Why You Might Need a Tooth Filling?
Cavities
This is one of the most common reasons why you might need a filling. Cavities of all different types and sizes can be filled with different types of dental fillings.
Cracks or Chips
Cracked or chipped teeth might also need a dental filling. A tooth may crack or chip due to several reasons but whatsoever the cause, you can fill the crack or chip in the tooth with a dental filling.
Worn teeth
Another reason why you may need teeth filling is if your tooth is worn out. Depending on the severity of use and oral health condition, the teeth may wear out over time if it isn’t well cared for. This will cause you to need a filling to improve the structure and appearance of your dentition.
Signs That You May Need A Filling
Below are indicators to tell when it’s time to go for a dental filling.
- Increase tooth sensitivity.
- Fractured or chipped tooth.
- Loss of the previous filling.
- Persistent toothache.
Consequences of Not Getting A Filling
- Tooth loss.
- Persistent tooth sensitivity.
- Tooth infection.
- Further growth of tooth decay.
- Severe tooth damage.
- Oral health condition gets worse.
The Procedure for Tooth Fillings in Dallas, & Duncanville, TX
Preparing For The Filling Appointment
- You should rest properly before your appointment to ease any nerves.
- It’s a minimally invasive procedure you needn’t worry about severe pain.
Steps in the filling procedure
Administration of local anesthesia or a topical numbing gel to numb the teeth and area and minimize the discomfort associated with the procedure.
- The decay is removed using handheld devices and any debris in the area is loosened by applying water.
- A gel is applied to help clean the tooth and eliminate any bacteria in the region.
- The filling of the cavity process begins and the dental filling material used depends on the condition of your teeth.
- After filling the tooth, its edges are smoothed and the tooth is polished to make the feeling look as natural as possible.
Aftercare instructions
Care for your dental filling after the procedure by:
- Brushing your teeth like you normally do at least twice every day.
- Rinsing your mouth with a fluoride-containing mouthwash.
- Flossing in between your teeth.
- Contact your provider if you notice any issues with the filling.
Caring for Your Fillings
Filings help you regain your normal dental structure and function but it’s still susceptible to damage if it isn’t properly cared for.
1. Proper oral hygiene
One of the best ways to care for your dental feeling is to engage in proper oral hygiene practice. This includes brushing frequently, flossing the teeth daily, and rinsing your mouth with mouthwash.
2. Dietary considerations
The tooth is naturally a strong structure but in cases where you’ve gotten a filling in your teeth you should be extra careful to avoid the filling from pulling away from the tooth. You should stay away from hard, crunchy, and sticky foods to protect your filling.
3. Regular dental checkups
You shouldn’t wait till you’re experiencing a dental condition before visiting a dentist. Go for dental checkups to monitor the health of your teeth and check the condition of your filling so you can easily address any concerns before it gets complicated.
The Cost of Tooth Fillings in Dallas, & Duncanville, TX
The average cost for a dental filling is about $400. This price can vary from $200 to $700 without insurance. The cost of this dental procedure is affected by the type of material being used for the filling, the number of surfaces that needs to be filled as well as your location.
A dental filling is covered by most insurance plans and insurance can cover up to 80% of the cost of this procedure once your yearly deductible is met. This way your out-of-pocket balance for a dental filling isn’t much. Oral health is just as essential as overall health which is why you should make it easier on yourself by including your dental care expenses in your budget.
You can incorporate tips like getting dental insurance, researching to ensure you’re getting the best cost for your dental treatment, and including dental expenses every time in your budget to make improving your dental health easier.
Types of Filling Materials
Highlighted below are the common filling materials along with their pros and cons.
1. Amalgam
This dental filling material is the type that contains a mixture of metals including liquid metal, alloys of metals, and other metallic forms.
Advantages
- Can last for up to 15 years.
- Can withstand chewing forces.
- Extremely cost-effective.
Disadvantages
- Prone to crack and fracture.
- It’s not suitable for people allergic to metals.
2. Composite Filling
The another material used is composite fillings end the structure of teeth to further support and strengthen the teeth.
Advantages
- Has a natural teeth color and thus offers a much more natural-looking appearance.
- Can be used for decay, broken, and worm teeth.
- Suitable for front teeth.
Disadvantages
- It is expensive.
- It’s not so durable.
3. Ceramic
This type of filling is mostly made of porcelain. It offers great support for the teeth and helps restore the appearance, structure, and function of the tooth.
Advantages
- Resistant to stain.
- Can last for a long period.
- Fits perfectly with the natural tooth color.
Disadvantages
- Ceramic filing is expensive.
Gold is also another material used in the dental filling procedure. Some people prefer the gold filling because aside from performing its dental filling function, it’s also aesthetically pleasing.
4. Gold
Advantages
- Durable and can last for more than 15 years.
- Can resist strong chewing force
Disadvantages
- It is expensive.
Risks and Complications of Tooth Fillings
Potential risks associated with the filling procedure include:
- Damages from expansion or shrinkage of the filling.
- Infections.
- Injury to the oral cavity.
Complications that can arise from tooth fillings include:
- Development of cavity around the filling.
- Increased tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.
- Decay.
- Potential damage to other teeth during the procedure.
Conclusion
A dental filling is a common method mostly used to fill cavities. It’s also of great benefit in filling broken teeth as well as worn teeth. A tooth filling is much more common than you think and you shouldn’t hesitate to get one if you need it.
Going for a regular dental check-up can help you detect if you need a teeth filling quickly. The key to maintaining good oral health is to practice good dental hygiene and visit your dentist regularly.
FAQs
How can I tell if I need a tooth filling?
Once you start experiencing a toothache, or tooth sensitivity or you can see a tooth cavity or you have a broken tooth, these indicators are enough to tell you to visit your dentist for a dental filling.
What happens if I don’t get a teeth filler?
The thing about fillings is that it prevents your dental condition from getting worse. If you fail to get one when you need your tooth becomes severely infected and you will need a much more costly dental procedure.
Can I still get a tooth filling if I have dental anxiety?
It is a simple and noninvasive procedure that is associated with only minimal discomfort and pain. But if you are still experiencing anxiety before the procedure, talk to your dentist about sedation.
Are there any risks associated with getting this filling?
They are associated with a few risks such as infection and tooth damage.
Can a tooth filling fall out or become loose?
Tooth filling can fall out or become loose if you grind your teeth excessively or consume hard and crunchy food. Once this happens visit your dentist immediately to fix it.
How long does it take to get a tooth filling in Dallas, Duncanville, TX?
The tooth-filling procedure doesn’t take so much time. It takes about thirty minutes to an hour including the initial consultation, examination, and the filling process.
Can children get tooth fillings?
Yes, teeth filler is highly recommended for kids with cavities.
How can I prevent cavities and the need for a tooth filling?
You can easily prevent cavities and the need for a filling by maintaining good oral health, practicing proper dental hygiene, and considering fluoride treatment.
Can a tooth filling be replaced if it wears out or becomes damaged?
Yes, it can be replaced when the need occurs. Worn-out and damaged tooth fillings should be replaced quickly to maintain good oral health.
Dental DeLite: Best Dental Clinic to Get Tooth filling in Dallas and Duncanville, TX
Whether you’re suffering from cavities, chipped or broken teeth, worn teeth or decay, getting a tooth filling at Dental DeLite will be of immense benefit to you.
Dental DeLite is the best dental clinic to get tooth filling in Dallas, & Duncanville, TX, with a full team of dentists whose specialization ranges from general to cosmetic dentistry. At Dental DeLite we aim at helping people to solve a variety of their dental problems by offering excellent dental care treatments and services.
We offer affordable dental services that are of excellent quality in a calm and relaxing atmosphere.
Schedule an appointment with us today at Dental DeLite to get your dental procedure done by a professional.
