Why Dental Fillings are Important

According to figures from the National Institute of Health, over 78% of people are likely to experience tooth decay before their 17th birthday. This can be attributed to poor oral hygiene and dental health. 

Failure to observe good oral health and hygiene practices increases the likelihood of losing the enamel, which is a thin and hard outer surface that protects the nerve endings from infection and injury 

When the enamel gets eroded by bacteria, your teeth become vulnerable to decay. The buildup of plaque can gradually eat away the surface of your teeth, thus causing cavities, which manifest as holes in the teeth. Unless this is remedied early, food particles and sugars can lodge inside these holes and create a conducive environment for bacteria, which will further damage your teeth. 

So, How do Dental Fillings Work?

Dental fillings are artificial materials used to fill up cavities in teeth to restore their health and function. Some of the commonly used materials for dental filling include porcelain, plastic, gold, composite resins, and silver amalgams. 

Before a dental filling procedure is done, your dentist has to conduct an assessment of your dental health to determine the extent of tooth decay. This helps them decide whether a dental filling is required. Once the assessment is complete, they will then get rid of any plaque, bacteria, and food debris from the affected teeth before performing the filling procedure. After the filling has been put in place, the dentist will then apply an adhesive to prevent it from coming out. 

What are the Benefits of Dental Fillings?

• They Help to Minimize Tooth Decay

A dental filling is installed in a decaying tooth to seal a cavity, thus preventing bacteria from penetrating into the nerve endings which can cause gum disease and result in tooth loss. It also eliminates the risk of tooth decay spreading to adjacent teeth.

• They do not Affect the Natural Appearance of Teeth

Unlike other dental procedures, which are likely to alter the appearance of your teeth, dental filling materials blend well with teeth. This makes it possible to retain a natural look after the procedure.

In Conclusion

Addressing dental problems such as tooth decay should be done early enough to prevent further damage. If you are wondering whether you need dental fillings for your teeth, get in touch with an experienced dentist in Corona today to get professional advice and treatment.