Ever wondered how dental fillings can do more than just save your teeth from decay?
Dental fillings are not just a solution for tooth decay but also a ticket to a dazzling smile. From enhancing your overall oral hygiene to preventing future dental complications, these tiny marvels pack a punch.
In this blog, we delve into the surprising benefits of dental fillings beyond cavity repair. Let’s get started.
What is Dental Filling?
A dental filling is a restorative dental procedure used to repair a tooth that has been damaged by decay or other factors. It involves the removal of decayed or damaged tooth material and filling the resulting cavity with a suitable dental material.
The choice of filling material depends on factors such as the location of the filling, aesthetic considerations, and the extent of the damage. Dentists typically perform dental fillings and are an effective treatment for restoring and preserving teeth affected by decay or damage.
3 Common Myths and Misconceptions about Dental Filling
Myth: Dental fillings are painful.
Reality: Many people associate dental procedures with pain, but modern dental techniques, including the use of local anaesthesia, ensure that getting a dental filling is a relatively painless experience. The dentist will numb the area before the procedure, ensuring your comfort throughout the process.
Myth: Dental fillings are only necessary for cavities.
Reality: While cavities are a common reason for needing dental fillings, they serve a broader purpose. Fillings are also used to repair cracked or chipped teeth, restore worn-down teeth, and fill gaps between teeth. They help restore the tooth's structure, prevent further damage, and improve oral health.
Myth: Dental fillings weaken teeth.
Reality: Dental fillings are designed to restore the structure and strength of teeth affected by decay or damage. They help prevent further deterioration and strengthen the tooth's integrity. When performed by a skilled dentist, dental fillings should not weaken the tooth but rather provide necessary support and protection.
Why Tooth Filling? - Benefits of Dental Filling
1. Fillings have a long lifespan
Depending on the material used, dental fillings can endure for a very long time—typically at least 7 to 10 years. Fortunately, your dentist can determine whether your filling needs to be replaced because it is cracked, old, or both. Your dentist will be able to tell if a new filling is necessary if you are having regular checkups for your teeth.
2. It stops cavities from expanding
By treating a cavity with a dental filling, you can prevent it from getting worse. When your dentist cleans out your dental cavity, they can prevent the tooth from developing a larger cavity in that location and also give you the greatest chance possible of avoiding additional decay in that area of the tooth by removing the bacteria that cause tooth decay. As a result, a filling should be seen as more than just a way to cure a cavity; it is essential for attempting to stop further degeneration.
3. It increases the natural strength of the tooth
Your teeth are strengthened with composite fillings. Instead of getting hollowed out by the cavity, you will gain from the support provided by the filling. Since fillings are temporary, they prevent harm to your teeth from occurring during the procedure.
4. It increases the resilience of cracked teeth
One can use fillings to fix a broken tooth. Your teeth become weaker as you age, making cracks and fractures more likely to occur. Due to oral trauma from vigorous activities like sports or unintentional harm, one of your teeth may shatter. When you chew on hard objects like ice or hard sweets, your teeth may also break.
5. It stops an infection between two Dental procedures and sessions
A temporary tooth filling can be applied if you require dental work, such as a root canal, to be completed over the course of several visits in order to give the tooth and gums enough time to heal. Before the permanent filling is applied, the nerves can also unwind thanks to this artificial tooth. By using a temporary filling, you can prevent an infection from spreading while you wait on the exposed tooth.
Quick Do’s and Don’t About Dental Filling
Do's:
- Do maintain good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing daily. This helps prevent further decay and promotes the longevity of your dental filling.
- Do visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleanings. Your dentist can monitor the condition of your dental fillings and address any issues promptly.
- Do follow any specific post-filling instructions provided by your dentist, such as avoiding sticky or hard foods immediately after the procedure.
- Do address any concerns or discomfort with your dentist. If you experience persistent pain, sensitivity, or unusual changes after getting a dental filling, it's important to seek professional advice.
Don'ts:
- Don't neglect regular dental check-ups. It's essential to monitor the condition of your dental fillings and detect any potential problems early on.
- Don't chew on hard objects or use your teeth as tools, as this can lead to damage or premature wearing of your dental fillings.
- Don't consume excessive amounts of sugary foods and beverages, as they can contribute to tooth decay and compromise the longevity of your fillings.
- Don't skip brushing or flossing around your dental fillings. Proper oral hygiene is essential for maintaining the health of your teeth and fillings.
Wrapping it up:
As we wrap up our journey through the many benefits of dental fillings, let us embrace the profound impact these small wonders can have on our oral well-being. Beyond mere cavity repair, dental fillings become beacons of resilience, silently safeguarding our teeth and empowering us to take on the world with a confident grin.
Still, want to know more about Dental Fillings? - Connect with our Dental Experts Now or Book your visit at the Local Dental Clinic in Deniliquin or Finley.
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