Things to Know: Dental Fillings

A dental filling is a dental implant serving to fill the cavity left by a removed tooth after the caries. When you visit the dentist for a checkup, it is possible to recommend a filling if he finds a dental cavity. You can also decide to go to the dentist if you ever find a cavity in your teeth. To place the dental filling, your dentist will follow a few simple steps. However, if you need a filling and you cannot go to the dentist at the right time, there are some guidelines you should follow to minimize the damage.

The dental filling is done by sealing technique. Dentistry is one of the best known techniques and involves cleaning the cavity created by the decay and fill in any of the suitable materials. Thus, dental anatomy helps to maintain the aesthetics and functionality of the tooth is preserved. A good filling ensures good chewing.

Types of dental fillings

Several types of fillings can be used to fill a cavity. The most common include composite resin, silver amalgam, glass ionomers, compomers, dental cements and the cohesive gold, which are no longer regularly used.

The most commonly used to perform a filling materials are composed and especially silver amalgam is used leaving unsightly due to its glossy black resin. Many people also believe that these types of fillings are toxic because they contain mercury. None of the dental community in the world recognizes this fact.

Metal fillings

Metal fillings are those created with mixed amalgam mercury, zinc and other metals. Are alloys of different metals to make a paste to fill the tooth? Among the advantages of metal fillings its excellent physical properties and its perfect fit into the space of the tooth are. It is a very durable and resistant material.

The disadvantages of metal fillings are its color and poor aesthetics. You can not adhere to the tooth without first placing a special product and are composed in part by mercury, a toxic metal without which it could not be the alloy.

Resin fillings

Resin fillings are made of a plastic material called composite. It is perfectly moldable and hardened with the action of light. Its advantages include its very similar to the natural color of the tooth and therefore its aesthetic purpose. It adheres to the tooth perfectly without the need of another material, which allows a lower cavity to clean the cavities. So a better tooth structure is preserved.

The disadvantages are that there may be placed in all cavities, only those that will not withstand high pressure and are small.

Procedure of dental filling

Take painkillers to relieve pain. The deep cavities can cause pain and to alleviate the pain, you can take a painkiller OTC. Analgesics should be taken as needed but never in excess.

Use dental wax sharp edges. The ends or edges of the teeth are not always smooth, usually sawn, rough and irregular, which could damage the gums. Here is a simple but temporary solution:

Gently slide your tongue along the surface of your teeth for sharp areas.

Take a small amount of dental wax, stretch it and put it on the sharp areas.

Back to slide your tongue in the area, if you feel that there are still rough, you can repeat the process as many times as necessary. The application of dental wax is a temporary solution; the wax will eventually fall from use. However, it is a simple way to avoid damaging the fabric while waiting for your appointment with the dentist.

Place temporary fillings

There are cases where a patient cannot go to the dentist to place a permanent filling. Meanwhile the patient often feels discomfort due to dental cavity. To alleviate this discomfort, you can use a dental repair material available in most pharmacies, which come with simple instructions:

• Thoroughly clean the mouth and try to remove all traces of food.
• Use a cotton swab to dry the area.
• Use the applicator provided with dental repair kit to remove a small amount of filling and place it inside the cavity.
• Bite gently and make sure the filling has the correct height.
• Remove any excess
• Allow the filling to settle

You must not eat, drink or bite on the affected area for 30 minutes following the filling area to dry and fully seated.

If you think that you have a cavity or are in need of a dental filling, the longer you wait usually the problem will worsen. Contact Dr. Dana Caledonia today and keep your smile beautiful and healthy!