Dental Cavity Tooth Filling

Cavity Dental Filling

A filling, also called dental tooth fillings, is a type of restorative dentistry used to restore a decayed or damaged tooth structure to its normal shape and function. When you visit your dentist for a front tooth cavity filling procedure, your dentist removes the decayed tooth material, cleans the affected tooth parts, and finally fills the cleaned area with a filling material.

A front tooth filling can help to prevent further dental decay by sealing off spaces where bacteria can penetrate. There are different materials used for dental fillings. These include silver amalgam filling, gold fillings, composite fillings (tooth-colored fillings), porcelain fillings, etc.

Which Type Of Filling Is The Best?

Every patient may require a different type of filling for their dental condition, so no particular type is for every patient. The type of cavity dental filling that is for you will depend on the following factors – the extent of your dental case, the part of your mouth where the filling is needed, your allergy to specific materials, and the cost involved in using each type of filling.

Here Are the Considerations for Different Types of Dental Fillings

• Porcelain fillings: these are also called “porcelain onlays or inlays.” Porcelain fillings are produced in the dental laboratory according to order and bonded by the dentist to the patient’s tooth. Porcelain fillings can be made to be tooth-colored fillings and are stain-resistant, so they are a better option for filling a cavity in front tooth. Porcelain fillings can be used to restore most of the teeth generally. Their cost of porcelain fillings is similar to that of gold fillings. 
• Gold fillings: these are also made in the dental lab, and the dentist bonds them into place. Gold fillings are well-tolerated by the gingival tissues and last at least 20 years. Hence, most dental authorities and associations consider gold fillings as the tooth-filling material. However, gold fillings are often the most expensive and require multiple dental visits. 
• Composite fillings: these are tooth-colored composite resins. They match the color of the natural tooth and are, therefore, used where a natural tooth appearance is desired. The dentist mixes the materials for the composite resins together and places them directly into the area, where they become hardened. Composite fillings are not ideal for large dental fillings because they chip or wear over time. Composite fillings can also stain if you consume tobacco, tea, or coffee. Generally, composite fillings are less durable than other dental fillings. They do not last long and generally last 3 to 10 years. Therefore, if you have cavities between your teeth, you may need filling, and for that, you need to avoid some food and adopt a healthy lifestyle. 
• Silver amalgam fillings: these are relatively cheaper and are resistant to wear. However, they are dark and can be quicker and more easily noticed than composite or porcelain fillings restorations. Silver amalgam fillings are often not usually used in places where they will be evident, like in the front teeth.

Others

• Ceramics fillings: these are often made of porcelain and are more abrasive and stain-resistant than composite fillings. Generally, ceramic fillings can cost as much as gold and last longer than 15 years. 
• Glass ionomer: the filling materials used in making glass ionomer are acrylic and a specific type of glass. Glass ionomer is most appropriate for dental fillings below the gum line or in little children, though drilling is still necessary. This type of fillings releases fluoride into the teeth, which helps to protect the teeth from further decay. However, glass ionomer is weaker than composite fillings. It is prone to fracture. Glass ionomer tends to wear over time. Generally, it lasts at most 5 years. Glass ionomer is less expensive when compared to composite fillings.

A dental crown or cap may be recommended if a large portion of the tooth is damaged due to a fracture or cavity between teeth. And in the case of severe dental decay in the tooth nerve, the dentist may administer two types of treatment: root canal therapy, which involves removing the damaged nerve, and pulp capping procedures, which helps keep the nerve. If you are suffering from cavities on front teeth, you can contact us directly through our website and book an appointment to treat your cavity and enjoy the perfect smile that you wish to have.

Dental Fillings Procedures

If your dental condition requires filling a cavity on front tooth, the following procedures will be followed. Your dentist removes the decayed tooth material, then cleans the affected tooth parts, and finally fills the cleaned affected area with any of the appropriate filling materials listed above.

When Do You Need a Dental Filling?

You may not be able to tell when you need a dental filling, but your dentist can detect whether you need a dental filling or not. When you go for a dental check-up, your dentist examines the surface of each tooth using a small mirror to tell if you need a dental filling.

If your dentist notices anything abnormal, they will check closely using special instruments. Your dentist may have to X-ray a section of your mouth or entire mouth to determine the proper treatment. The type of treatment your dentist chooses may depend on the extent of tooth damage caused by cavities in between teeth.

Does the Dental Insurance Plan Cover For Dental Fillings?

Since dental fillings are more of restorative dentistry than cosmetic dentistry, it is covered by most dental insurance plans. Most insurance companies cover the cost of dental fillings up to the price of the filling, then the patient has to pay for the rest.

Indirect Fillings

Sometimes, a patient may not have enough tooth structure to support a filling, and if the tooth is not so damaged that a dental crown is required, an indirect filling may be used. Indirect fillings are very similar to composite fillings (tooth-colored fillings). Still, they are made in the lab and require only two dental appointments to be placed.

Indirect fillings for cavities in front teeth come in 2 types: inlays and onlays. Inlays are similar to dental fillings, but the entire dental works lie within bumps on the tooth’s upper surface.

Onlays, however, are more like partial crowns and are more extensive than inlays. Onlays cover one or more bumps.

Indirect fillings are more durable and last longer than conventional dental fillings – about 30 years. Indirect fillings can be gold, porcelain, or tooth-colored composite resin. However, inlays and onlays weaken the tooth structure, unlike traditional dental fillings.

Contact Dentist Open On Saturday today to learn more about dental fillings and determine if you need dental fillings.