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Cavities are filled with bacteria that pose a threat to your teeth and gums. Maintaining a healthy smile is crucial for both your looks and oral functionality; neglecting it can result in numerous dental issues. Prevent these complications by scheduling a tooth filling appointment at Windsor Dental Care.
Cavities and tooth decay are common dental issues that can affect individuals of all ages, often leading to discomforts such as sensitivity and toothaches.
A cavity forms when bacteria degrade the enamel on your teeth, resulting in a hole.
If you find yourself with a cavity, there's no need to worry! Windsor Dental Care is here to assist. We provide dental fillings as a solution to repair and protect your teeth from needing to be extracted. Dental fillings, which can be composed of materials like porcelain, gold, or silver amalgam, are a durable restoration option. The procedure involves removing the decayed portion of the tooth and filling it with a suitable material.
Regrettably, dental decay often doesn't present many signs in its initial phases. However, if you notice any of the symptoms listed below, it's advisable to schedule a visit with your dentist.
Tooth decay typically doesn't show symptoms until it has caused significant harm. Routine dental examinations are key in identifying early signs and preventing further issues. The presence of the following oral issues could suggest the necessity for dental fillings:
Tiny cracks in your tooth can reveal nerve tissue, leading to sensitivity to temperature changes. If you experience this, it's advisable to consult your dentist to determine if fillings are required.
Should your existing dental fillings show any signs of cracking or breaking, regardless of the severity, it's important to make an appointment with your dentist right away. If left unattended, food particles could seep into these small openings and exacerbate the damage.
Teeth that undergo abrupt force are prone to cracking or chipping. Often, these issues may not result in any immediate discomfort or pain. However, small openings can form, allowing bacteria to infiltrate and begin deteriorating the tooth.
Typically, the initial indicator of dental decay is a tooth developing a rough surface. You might detect this by feeling your tooth with your tongue. Your dentist can assess whether tooth fillings are needed to repair your tooth.
Halt Cavity Progression
By removing decayed tissue and sealing the resulting cavity with filling material, your dentist prevents further decay and shields exposed nerve endings that could lead to comprehensive tooth decay.
Enhance Tooth Color
Teeth discoloration, caused by various factors, can be a concern for many. Composite resin fillings not only repair but can also conceal stains that aren’t removable through whitening treatments or regular brushing, leading to a more uniform tooth color.
Repair Broken Teeth
Teeth are vulnerable to fractures from accidents, improper eating habits, using them as tools, aging, or weakened dental structures. Chips or cracks in a tooth can let bacteria infiltrate and decay the dentin. While such damage might not immediately cause discomfort, it’s crucial to address it. Composite fillings can repair and visually blend damaged teeth with their surroundings, restoring your smile.
Reinforce Weakened Teeth
Damage can compromise a tooth’s structural integrity. Newer, advanced filling options like dental inlays and onlays offer a robust solution for repairing compromised chewing surfaces. These indirect fillings are suitable for significantly damaged teeth that don’t yet necessitate a crown, fortifying the tooth’s strength.
Guard Against Decay and Infection
Even minor holes in teeth, too small to be classified as cavities, can set the stage for decay. Left unsealed, these crevices can allow food particles to enter, enlarge, and eventually form cavities. Filling these spaces early on can prevent such outcomes.
Dental fillings are crafted from a variety of materials including gold, porcelain, composite resin, silver amalgam, or a blend of these. Composite resin, often called “tooth-coloured,” is made of plastic and glass particles. Silver amalgam, on the other hand, is a mixture of mercury, silver, zinc, tin, and copper.
The use of silver amalgam in dental fillings raises concerns for some due to its mercury content. However, research indicates that the mercury released from amalgam fillings does not present a health risk to the general population. With proper mercury handling procedures in place, the likelihood of encountering issues with this material in a dental setting is considered low.
Consulting with your dentist will help you determine the most appropriate and safe material for your dental fillings.
Dental fillings are widely recognised as a routine and secure method of dental restoration. However, it’s vital to be informed about potential complications so you can make a knowledgeable choice prior to proceeding with tooth fillings. Possible issues related to the procedure might include:
Tooth Sensitivity.
Experiencing some sensitivity after a filling is placed is relatively common. This discomfort can be triggered by pressure, air, or sweet foods but typically resolves without intervention within a few weeks. If you encounter severe sensitivity or if it persists beyond two to four weeks, it’s important to consult your dentist.
Infection.
In some instances, a filling may detach slightly from the tooth, creating a gap. This gap can serve as a haven for bacteria, leading to further decay or infection, accompanied by discomfort. Should you observe any unusual spaces or cracks near your filling, it’s crucial to seek dental advice promptly.
Damage.
Fillings can be damaged by biting down on hard substances or through impact, such as during sports activities. Such incidents can cause small cracks to enlarge, making it easier for food particles to infiltrate.
The price of dental filling treatments differs depending on the specific situation. In Western Australia, Smile provides the following estimates for filling costs:
For an accurate cost estimate or quote for your dental fillings, it’s best to consult directly with your dentist.
At Windsor Dental Care, we offer quality care and individualised treatment plans. Our team is passionate about oral health and invested in helping our patients achieve their dental goals. Schedule an appointment with us today to start on the path to a healthy smile!
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