As we get older suddenly we realised many things we didn't appreciate about being young - being fit, having smooth skin and having all your own teeth. As our loose teeth (and bridges) struggle to deal with chewier food we start eating bland mush and, there is no easy way to say this, OLD PEOPLE FOOD. I'm determined not to let that happen to me and I'm doing everything I can to keep my own teeth as long as possible, and when that's not possible to get the best possible teeth replacement. If you are like me and want to keep on eating whatever you want, I think you'll like my site. It's all about dental health and teeth replacement & maintenance.
Keeping your teeth young
Why Are Dental Fillings Important?
Mabel Hicks
If you have a cavity, a dental filling is usually the standard treatment. You may wonder why dental fillings are important or if you need one. You may also want to know about new filling materials and practices that can keep your teeth looking bright and new. Here is more information about the importance of dental fillings, what types you can get, and what might happen if you don't get one.
Why Are Fillings Important?
Fillings are important because they can save your tooth under the right circumstances. The materials your dentist uses to restore your teeth to normal use. If you have tooth decay, it creates a hole in the tooth, also known as a cavity. Cavities can weaken teeth, and weak teeth lead to potential breakage and loss. Fillings help restore the tooth to its normal strength so you can continue using it as usual.
What Types of Fillings Are Available?
In the past, many people used metal amalgams for fillings. The ones in the distant past often contained silver, lead, platinum and gold. Modern amalgam fillings usually have tin, copper, silver and zinc metals. You can still get gold fillings. In Australia, some metal fillings may also have mercury.
Other filling choices include resin, glass-ionomer cement and porcelain. Many people desire these three filling types because of their ability to look natural. The dentist can match the material's colour to the patient's teeth. However, these fillings may not be as durable and long-lasting as amalgam, plus they usually cost more.
Do All Cavities Need Fillings?
Your dentist is the best person to ask about whether a filling is necessary. If your filling is small and caught early, your dentist may have another treatment to strengthen your tooth's enamel. They may choose to monitor the filling to see if it gets worse and treat it when it becomes large enough to be a problem. How fast the decay progresses will also depend on your lifestyle and hygiene.
What Happens if You Don't Get a Filling?
If your dentist says you should get a filling and you ignore that advice, the cavity will get worse. Over time, you will experience progressive dental issues that could lead eventually to a root canal or even tooth loss. As the cavity gets worse, you could develop an abscess that may affect your jaw and adjacent teeth.
Good preventative care goes a long way to preventing tooth decay and needing a filling. However, sometimes decay happens even with the best care. The earlier your dentist catches it, the easier the restoration and treatment will be. If you need a dentist or have questions about fillings and other restorative care, make a dental appointment as soon as possible.
For more information on dental fillings, contact a professional near you.
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