While most people try to maintain a good oral hygiene and reduce the incidence of sugar consumption, there may be need to have a dental filling to restore broken or broken teeth.
HOW TO PREVENT TOOTH DECAY
To prevent tooth decay, it is recommended that you should floss at least once daily, brush twice daily, and limit the intake of sugar in the diet at most three times a day. Sugar is present in many different foods, such as fruits, processed foods, soft drinks and sweets.
People who are at a high risk of developing tooth decay should also consider the use of fluoride mouthwashes or high fluoride dental flosses to reduce the risk of tooth decay development.
AVAILABLE FILLING MATERIALS
Several dental filling materials are available today. They include amalgams, gold cast, tooth-colored composite fillings and porcelain materials to mention but a few are:
SILVER FILLINGS (AMALGAM)
Dental amalgam is a liquid mercury mixture and a metal alloy used to fill the cavities caused by tooth decay. Amalgam usually consists of mercury, silver, tin, copper, and other trace metals.
Many patients who have undergone tooth filling currently have amalgam as a part of their dentition notwithstanding the numerous health concerns and threats posed by the presence of Mercury in the composition of the amalgam
TOOTH-COLORED COMPOSITE FILLINGS
Teeth colored fillings, also called white fillings or composite fillings, are used to fill the anterior and posterior teeth. The filling comes in the form of a paste that the dentist places on the damaged part of the tooth, adjusts the bite and polishes. It is commonly used for the fixation of front teeth damaged by decay or chipped, cracked or worn. The filling is tied to a tooth with a very strong dental resin, but it can break, lose or detach, depending on factors such as the size of the filling, where it is and habits like nail biting.
Tooth colored fillers are available in a variety of colors that can usually be combined with tooth color, and some of the latest materials look very natural.
RISKS INVOLVED IN TEETH FILLING
Tooth sensitivity may arise after deep filling has been done. Normalcy is mostly restored in a few days or weeks after filling.
On rare occasions, if the sensitivity and pain persist due to a very deep filling, a root canal treatment may be necessary.
Over time, fillings may freeze, loosen, chip or break. Occasionally, if filling is very important, it is recommended to replace the dental crown instead of filling it to reduce the risk of fractures or fractures.
LONGEVITY OF FILLINGS
With good monitoring and maintenance, fillings should last for several years. Studies show that the average lifespan of amalgam or composite filling is about 3-5 years. Studies show that in composite or porcelain fillings last an average of 5 to 10 years.
Patients can extend the longevity of their fillings by brushing and flossing the teeth, reducing the frequency of sugar consumption, and visiting the dentist every 6 months so that their fillings can be checked on a regular basis.