Learning about your options for tooth fillings is a great idea. No longer do you have to settle for the traditional metal fillings; instead, you now have the ability to choose the type of tooth filling you want for treating your tooth cavities. According to the American Dental Association, when it comes to having a cavity filled, it is important to know that you have the right to decide on the filling material.
Understanding your choices for tooth fillings is something you need to do when you need to have a cavity filled. Tooth fillings help restore a tooth when decay is present, a necessary procedure because untreated cavities can result in tooth loss. Fillings are also used to repair teeth that are cracked or fractured, as they help make teeth stronger. If you currently have one or more teeth in need of a tooth filling, be sure to make a timely dental appointment to avoid a potential tooth extraction or root canal.
The list below includes popular types of tooth fillings that dental patients are choosing nowadays.
Also known as silver fillings and amalgam fillings, metal fillings are made using a mix of metals. This includes metals like mercury, silver, tin and copper, which dental professionals have been using for many years. While metal fillings are strong and durable, they are also noticeable. When are metal fillings recommended? Metal fillings are ideal for treating large cavities in teeth that are located in the back of the mouth.
Also known as composite resins, tooth-colored fillings are quite durable. This is because they contain a mix of fillers, which makes this a strong filling option. It can be used to fill cavities on the front teeth or the back teeth, making it versatile. When are tooth-colored fillings recommended? They are recommended when a dental patient is in need of a filling that can hold up to the moderate pressure that comes from chewing food.
Gold fillings are also often called inlays or onlays. This type of tooth filling is made using a mix of gold, copper, and other types of metals. Gold has been used by dental professionals for many years, mainly due to the fact that it is both solid and long-lasting. When are gold fillings recommended? They are recommended when a tooth cavity is located in a high-stress chewing area.
If you have cavities, you get to choose your tooth fillings, as cavities need to be filled as soon as possible in order to prevent a tooth from getting worse. When you have a cavity, it means that your tooth has some level of decay. This will not stop until you treat the tooth. If you do not treat a tooth that is in decay, it will continue to get worse until it destroys the tooth. Ready to stop the decay?
Request an appointment here: https://www.kennethbauerdds.com or call Kenneth J Bauer DDS & Daniel K Bauer DMD - Kenneth J Bauer DDS, A Professional Corporation at (707) 691-5250 for an appointment in our Santa Rosa office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Composite Fillings in Santa Rosa, CA.
Before we get into our discussion of the materials used for dental fillings, it is important to know what they are used for. Fillings are used to replace parts of teeth that have been affected by cavities, cracks, or damage from nail-biting or teeth grinding. There are various materials that fillings are made of. Read…
Dental fillings are the first line of defense when it comes to stopping tooth decay in its tracks. Tooth decay is caused by the acids created by oral bacteria. These microorganisms feast on food particles that are left on teeth surfaces after meals, converting the sugars in them into acids that eat away at teeth…
A skilled cosmetic dentist can take a smile that you are not confident in and transform it into something radiant. Whether you are self-conscious about the shade of your teeth or how they sit in your mouth, know that you do not have to live with blemishes and imperfections forever. A cosmetic dentist can help…
Cosmetic dental care services aim to improve a person’s appearance and confidence by fixing aesthetic issues with the teeth and gums. However, cosmetic dentistry is not an officially recognized field in dentistry, so any dentist can call themselves a cosmetic dentist or perform cosmetic treatments. Therefore, finding someone with additional education and experience regarding cosmetic…
There has been a lot of talk about dental implants in recent years. Dentists recommend them, and patients benefit from the results of the treatment. Implants restore the full function of the mouth and revitalize smiles. People can enjoy newfound self-esteem and the self-image and health they have been looking for. You may wonder whether…
A dental bridge might be the right treatment if you have lost one or more teeth and want to enhance your oral health and self-esteem. The dental bridge can restore your smile’s appearance and allow you to chew normally once more. If you are considering this treatment, this article outlines all the steps involved so…