If you have a cavity, you are not alone. Almost every adult has had a cavity at some point in their lives. If you’ve recently been informed that you have a cavity, you’re probably wondering, “Now what?” The severity of the cavity will determine the response to that query. When a cavity is identified early, your dentist will want to conduct a dental filling process and discuss the various types of fillings with you. When filling a tooth, the dentist starts by numbing the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic to decrease or eliminate any pain. The dentist will use a guard or dental appliance to isolate the tooth and keep it dry to prevent contamination. He or she will then use an instrument created specifically for the severity of the cavity and its placement in your mouth to remove the decayed region of the tooth. This could include the use of a laser, drill, or air abrasion device, all of which the dentist has had significant training in. After the decay has been removed, the dentist will thoroughly clean the tooth in preparation for the filling, ensuring that no bacteria, decay, or debris will cause future difficulties. The filling material will be applied by the dentist, who may use a special light to cure or harden it. The dentist will assess your bite to guarantee proper alignment and then polish the filling to make it as smooth as your other teeth in the final step of the dental filling operation.
Types of Filling
Composite
A composite is made up of acrylic resin and glass. Composite dental fillings have grown in popularity because they may be color-matched to your natural tooth, making them virtually invisible in comparison to metal alternatives such as gold and amalgam. They are, however, less durable than their metal counterparts and are prone to chipping.
Ceramic/Porcelain
Porcelain fillings provide a more natural appearance than metal fillings, but they are also more delicate and more expensive. Because they are often made in a laboratory and then set on your teeth, more than one visit to the dentist will usually be necessary.Ionomer made of resin and glass. These filings are most commonly used in minor pockets of decay, such as in children’s teeth or below the gumline. Because they are delicate, they are not placed in regions where they will be chewed or subjected to high pressure.There are several different types of fillings to consider if you are diagnosed with a cavity during your next dental check-up. To choose which type of filling is ideal for your dental filling operation, speak with your dentist.
