Dental Fillings are divided into two broad categories:
• Conventional Amalgam Fillings: These are also called as silver fillings or even mercury fillings.
• Composite Resin Fillings: These are the colored fillings and are also called as white fillings.
You will mostly find that clinics offering dental fillings prefer doing the composite resin fillings. In the past if you have undergone any amalgam filling then there will be additional procedure to safely remove the amalgam. The reason clinics do not prefer doing the amalgam filling is because it contains mercury which is harmful for the whole body. So the amalgam filling is removed using rubber dam and a high power suction. The idea of using high power suction pump is to avoid mercury entering the body.
However the reason why white fillings is preferred because these are chemically bonded with the teeth and do not require numbing of teeth.
After your dentist has removed the decay, the material for dental fillings will then be placed inside the tooth. Furthermore it will be hardened by curing light.
Undergoing the procedure of dental fillings is a very simple process and you can expect little to no sensitivity. You won’t need more than one visit to the dental clinic. However if you are undergoing multiple fillings then you might have to visit clinic more than once.
Advantage of Dental Fillings
As mentioned before these fillings are also called as white fillings and this is the biggest advantage of undergoing this treatment. They match the natural color of teeth and the appearance as well. Furthermore they also restore 85-90% of the original strength of the tooth. There is no fixed location for their use. They can be used for rear or front teeth because they do not affect the aesthetics of your gums. Dental fillings may cause some sensitivity but then it gets over within two-three weeks.
Cost of Dental Fillings
The cost depends upon the size and depth of fillings. Before the procedure is started your dentist will examine your teeth and will also inform about the number of cavities that will be treated. You will have to make it a point that regular dental visits are taken every six months. The reason is that the white fillings get discolored with time. Furthermore your teeth will be examined for any new cavities.
Care of Dental Fillings
There is no rocket science involved in the care of dental fillings. You have to take care of them just like the regular teeth. Proper dental hygiene is the key here. Make sure that you brush and floss twice a day. Rinsing with fluoride mouthwash ensures that you do not have plaque accumulated. Here you need to take care that neither do you swallow the mouthwash nor do you eat anything for next 30 minutes. Apart from all this visit your dentist regularly to check the condition of fillings.