Do Dental Fillings Make Teeth Stronger?

After a routine dental checkup, your dentist informs you that you require a filling. Don’t worry; this is common, as most people will need at least one dental filling in their lifetime. A filling is a restorative procedure for teeth damaged by decay. 

The procedure involves bringing the tooth back to its normal function and shape while preventing future decay. This is a very common procedure performed in dental offices, so there’s no need to be alarmed, especially if you maintain good brushing and flossing habits.

Dental Fillings

Tooth fillings refer to materials such as metals, plastics, or glass used to repair damaged or decayed teeth. The primary purpose of fillings is to fill cavities caused by decay. However, they are also utilized to repair teeth that are broken, cracked, or worn down due to factors like nail-biting or tooth-grinding.

Do Fillings Stop Tooth Decay?

The process of tooth decay begins when bacteria in sticky plaque produce acid from the sugars in food, which slowly wears away the tooth’s hard enamel and leads to mineral loss. In the initial stages of decay, a white spot may appear. If the decay is not treated, it can spread to the dentin, making the tooth sensitive and eventually leading to the need for a filling. It’s essential to catch the decay before it reaches the pulp of the tooth, as decay spreads faster through the dentin than through the enamel.

Tooth decay is a widespread issue that can result in infection, severe toothache, and tooth loss if left untreated. However, regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups can prevent tooth decay. Maintaining good oral hygiene is the primary defense against tooth decay, but if a cavity does form, a dentist in 77074 will need to repair the damage with a filling.

The procedure of Dental Fillings

The dental filling procedure begins with the dentist administering a local anesthetic to numb the gums around the affected tooth. Next, the dentist near you examines the tooth to determine the extent of decay or damage and decides on the filling required. 

If there is tooth decay, the damaged parts of the tooth are removed, and the area is thoroughly cleaned, washed, and dried. Then, the filling material is inserted into the cavity, and the tooth is shaped back to its original form. Finally, the dentist checks the patient’s bite to ensure the filling is comfortable.

Types of Dental Fillings

There are various types of fillings available at Mi Casa Dental for treating decayed or damaged teeth, which include:

Composite resin or tooth-colored fillings: These fillings consist of a mixture of plastic resin and powdered glass and are designed to resemble the natural color of the teeth they replace. They release fluoride and reduce the risk of further tooth decay.

Silver amalgam fillings: These are the most commonly used fillings and consist of a combination of silver alloy and mercury. They are durable and approved by the World Health Organization and Dental Federation.

Glass ionomer cement: This tooth-colored material is a blend of organic acid and glass that hardens itself. It is used for small fillings, cementing porcelain or metal crowns, and temporary restorations.

Resin ionomer cement: This material is similar to glass ionomer cement but contains a resin polymer and organic acid that solidifies when exposed to blue light.

Porcelain: This may also be used as a temporary filling material.

Nickel or cobalt-chrome alloys: These silver-colored materials contain nickel and chromium and are used as dental cement for fixing crowns.

Gold alloys: These are very durable and contain a mixture of gold, copper, and other metals. They are commonly used for crowns and partial dentures but can be expensive and may cause increased sensitivity in the teeth.

Benefits of Dental Fillings

There are numerous advantages to having a dental filling in Braes Timbers, Houston, TX. They include:

Prevents Cavities 

One benefit of dental filling is that it stops cavities from growing larger. In addition, by removing the bacteria causing tooth decay, your dentist can prevent future decay in that area, making a filling more than just a cavity treatment.

Strengthens Natural Tooth 

The tooth’s condition is usually weakened by decay when a filling is required, but the material used to restore it will strengthen it, making it less vulnerable to fracturing.

Restores Broken Teeth Function 

Fillings can repair broken or ground-down teeth, allowing them to look and function naturally.