How a Dental Filling Can Save Your Tooth

A dentist will use a dental filling to keep the dental structure in place. The goal is to maintain the tooth so you can use it for as long as possible. Developed teeth are still the ideal biting and chewing tool you can have. Understanding how a dental filling preserves the tooth can convince you to see your dentist right away.

As a protective measure

A dental filling addresses specific issues with the teeth. This restoration can also prevent specific issues from developing. Oral issues tend to worsen over time. Filling cavities protect teeth from more decay.

As a form of repair for broken teeth

Teeth can break or crack at any time. This dental damage can result from falls or sports injuries. It can even be a result of accidentally biting into hard foods. The patient may not experience pain. The damage may seem to be a mere cosmetic problem. Treating the affected tooth can prevent more difficult issues from developing.

Without prompt treatment, the tooth will suffer the consequences. The damage goes deeper and worsens enough that the patient needs a root canal or a dental extraction. A dentist can apply a dental filling to seal the dental damage. The treatment will prevent bacteria from entering the tooth.

As a protection for wear

Dental wear is a common effect of bruxism. The dentist will look for significant signs of this condition. Dental abnormalities, tenderness in the jaw muscles, and jawbone damage are issues people with bruxism face. A dental filling can protect the teeth from more damage. This restoration can even strengthen the teeth.

As a solution to tooth decay

Dental decay forms on the teeth because of plaque accumulation. This substance has acids that deteriorate the enamel. Early stages of cavity formation appear as white spots. This issue progresses and reaches the dentin. The dentist will provide a dental filling to repair the cavity. This restoration can also strengthen and protect the tooth from future decay.

As an effective structural reinforcement

A decayed tooth is weaker than a healthy one. A dental filling treatment aims to improve the tooth’s structure. Filling the cavity will provide the tooth with the right amount of support. Fillings are short-term solutions, so there will be no permanent changes to the tooth when they go on the teeth.

As a structural aesthetic enhancement

The dentist will use composite material to create a more aesthetic and natural-looking smile. This type of material matches the natural color of the teeth. A halogen light will harden the composite dental filling and allow the material to bond to the treated tooth. This aesthetic filling is an ideal alternative to black fillings. The following are the characteristics of an aesthetic dental filling:

• It does not create cold or hot sensitivity
• It lasts for many years with the same strength and durability
• Does not cause allergic reactions
• Matches the texture and color of natural teeth
• Easy to apply
• Compatible with the oral tissues
• Applicable to every age group