Understanding The Role of Dental Fillings
Decay is a widespread problem that can ruin your teeth if not treated at an early level. The optimal solution for a decayed tooth is dental fillings in Edmonton. Dental fillings restore the damaged section of a tooth and restore its shape and function. But everyone wants to know—do these fillings impact oral health at all on a long-term basis?
Let’s talk about how dental fillings benefit your smile in the long term, their benefits, and what you can expect as far as care and maintenance are concerned.
What Are Dental Fillings?
Dental fillings are materials used to fill cavities or voids in teeth. Once a dentist has taken out the part of the tooth that is decayed, the resulting space is filled to prevent damage and regain the tooth’s shape. Popular materials used include:
- Composite resin (coloured to match teeth)
- Silver amalgam
- Gold
- Ceramic
Each choice has its benefit, yet each is crafted to make the tooth stronger and prevent decay from moving further.
Long-Term Benefits of Fillings
Fillings also come with a few more benefits that extend beyond making one’s tooth better. Long-term fillings help by:
- Preventing further tooth decay
- Maintaining the functionality and strength of bite
- Preventing further, more difficult-to-treat dental conditions
- Aiding with dental health as a whole
If done properly, fillings last many years and aid in creating a healthier mouth.
Do Fillings Wear Down?
Yes, like everything else in your mouth, dental fillings do break down. Chewing, grinding, and the passing of time are all contributors that can cause a filling to be less effective. If the filling starts cracking or fracturing, it re-exposes the tooth to decay.
Edmonton dentists will usually recommend frequent check-ups to monitor the health of your fillings. This helps prevent any problems from occurring and harming your tooth.
Tooth Sensitivity After Getting Fillings
It’s normal to feel mild tooth sensitivity after a filling. You may feel pain while eating something hot, cold, or sweet. This should disappear within a few days. If sensitivity persists, it’s better to consult your dentist to ensure everything is healing normally.
Fillings and Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene is important whether you do or do not have fillings. But when you do, it is even more important. Bacteria can still form at the edges of a filling, and this can lead to further decay if it is not cleaned properly.
A couple of suggestions:
- Brush teeth a minimum of twice daily
- Brush with toothpaste containing fluoride
- Floss each day to take out food particles in between the teeth
- Visit a dentist near you regularly for check-ups
These habits will keep your fillings healthy and extend their lifespan.
Can Fillings Fall Out?
Although fillings are intended to be long-lasting, they may be lost with wear, trauma, or decay around the filling. If this happens, then it is very important to visit your dentist right away. An open cavity can allow bacteria to come back and cause further complications, like infection.
Replacement Over Time
Most fillings aren’t permanent. Fillings will last between 5 and 15 years, depending on the material used. Here’s a rough estimate:
- Composite resin: 5 to 7 years
- Silver amalgam: 10 to 15 years
- Gold and ceramic: 15 years or more
Your dentist will check your fillings at regular appointments to make sure they’re still in good condition.
The Connection Between Fillings and Gum Health
Improperly placed or worn-out fillings can lead to irritation around the gums. This can make it harder to clean the area and lead to gum disease. That’s why it’s important to have your fillings checked and adjusted if needed.
Also, overly high or rough fillings can interfere with your bite and put unnecessary stress on the adjacent teeth. In extreme cases, this can result in jaw pain or tooth breakage.
Aesthetic Advantages of Tooth-Coloured Fillings
New tooth fillings not only repair your teeth—now some beautify your smile. Tooth-coloured composite fillings contain a natural colour that can blend well with the rest of the teeth. It is, therefore, the best for people who want an aesthetic restoration.
Teeth-coloured fillings are sometimes used in tooth-coloured spots like front teeth or for individuals who care about the appearance of their smile.
How to Get the Most Out of the Life of Your Fillings
Following are a few simple steps to ensure that your fillings last long:
- Do not bite hard things like ice or pens
- Wear a mouth guard if you grind your teeth
- Have regular dental check-ups
- Don’t ignore any signs of pain or sensitivity
By taking these steps, your fillings and your mouth can stay healthy in the future.
When to See a Dentist
You can go to your dentist if you have any of the following:
- Chewing pain
- Sudden pain in a tooth that has been filled
- You notice a crack or break in the filling
- Part of the filling has chipped off
Early treatment will save your tooth and prevent further damage.
Save Your Smile with Help from a Dentist Near You
Fillings on your teeth play an important part in your future oral health. They repair damage, prevent subsequent problems, and help with your teeth’s general strength. But, as is the case with any part of your dental routine, they require to be kept up with and maintained regularly.
If you think you might need a filling or want your current ones checked, our team at Belle Rive Dental Clinic is here to help. Our experienced dentist near you can provide you with durable and natural-looking dental fillings that guarantee your long-term oral health. Book an appointment with us today to keep your smile healthy and robust for years.
