If you think getting your cavities filled is the end of the game for dental fillings, you’ll be surprised to know that they can still break and need repairs somewhere down the line. It can make you a bit confused about what you did wrong and what you should’ve done to make them last longer.
Although dental fillings treat tooth decay effectively, they don’t necessarily last. However, there are different ways to significantly increase your dental fillings’ longevity if you understand their value and how you can care for them properly.
If you’re curious about dental fillings, stick around. This article is a guide on dental fillings–their importance, the types, and how to make them last.
The Importance of Dental Fillings
Without proper treatment, tooth decay can spread to other areas of your tooth: beyond your tooth’s enamel and into the softer and vulnerable portions of your pearls. Once the decay reaches the nerves and blood vessels, a dental filling could be too late, leaving you with options like a root canal or a tooth extraction.
For this reason, dentists ensure that you get your cavities filled in the early stages of the infection before it grows and spreads. But how do you do this?
The dentist simply removes the decay and packs the area with a filling. This material will reconstruct your tooth to its normal shape, helping it function properly. Once the treatment is complete, your dental filling will help prevent further decay and ward off bacteria.
The Different Types of Dental Fillings
Depending on the severity of the infection, its size, location, and budget, different types of fillings would fit your needs.
- Amalgam: Amalgam or silver fillings are a mix of various metals. This type of material is resistant to wear and can withstand heavy chewing forces, making it an excellent option for molar teeth. Besides high-wear locations, amalgam is perfect for hard-to-keep-dry areas, such as the area below the gum line.
- Inlays: Inlays, also known as gold fillings, are made in a laboratory after creating an impression of your tooth and then cemented to the affected area. This type of filling is one of the best materials to use because it’s durable, strong, and can last for a pretty long time.
- Porcelain: If you’re looking for a material resistant to stains, porcelain matches your tooth colour, making it a great choice.
- Composite resin: Tooth decays in the front teeth can be treated by composite resin because your dentist can match your tooth’s colour. However, this type stains easily from food and tobacco, but it can last up to 10 years with proper care.
How to Make Your Dental Fillings Last
The care you give your teeth to prevent cavities is no different from the care your dental fillings need to last longer. Here’s what you could do:
- Brush regularly;
- Limit sugary and sticky snacks and food;
- Reduce bacteria by using an alcohol-free, therapeutic mouth rinse;
- Avoid tobacco products and foods that stain;
- Avoid over-acidic drinks;
- Avoid hard food and chewing on ice;
- Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.
The Bottom Line: Dental Fillings Won’t Last Forever, But You Can Make Them Last Longer
Dental fillings are used to help treat tooth decay and prevent them from spreading the infection to the most vulnerable parts of your tooth. Although dental fillings won’t last a lifetime, there are daily maintenance steps that you can take to help them last longer.
Why Trust Nasser Dentistry
With years of experience in the dental industry, Nasser Dentistry only provides the best dental experience, allowing them to achieve their dental goals while keeping their dental health in check. Our dental centre in Markham offers exceptional dental services, including dental fillings, teeth whitening, cosmetic dentistry, dentures, and more. Book an appointment with us today!