With all of the sugary foods that are consumed in the world today, it is easy to expect that tooth decay will run rampant. Sometimes, a colony of bacteria will be able to feast upon the leftover foods in our mouth, especially those sugary foods. Once the colony forms and settles on to a tooth, it can cause a serious cavity. A dental filling is one of the best ways to deal with a cavity after it has formed.
What are Dental Fillings?
A dental filling is a small piece of moldable material that is placed into a cavity that developed in a tooth and was removed. The purpose of a dental filling is to restore the tooth function and structure. A dental filling also accomplishes the goal of delaying the growth of the cavity or preventing it completely.
When are Dental Fillings Needed?
A hole can form in your tooth from decay or trauma. Once this happens, it needs to be filled. If a cavity is untreated, the whole will only continue to grow and get worse. Overtime severe pain can develop.
Some people don’t know that they have a cavity until they visit a dentist. For this reason, it is important to see your dentist at least once every 6 months.
Different Types of Fillings
One of the most common types of fillings is the amalgam filling. Amalgam is a mix of different materials that have a shiny metallic look. You might see a young child with a mouth full of amalgam fillings. Amalgam fillings are cheap and easy. However, they are not attractive.
Other types of fillings would be resin composite materials, gold, or even silver. These may be better options in the long run for different reasons but could also be more expensive.
