Dental fillings are a mainstay of general dentistry, prolonging the lives of teeth and preventing more serious issues. While silver amalgam fillings are a solid and affordable option, some dentists have reservations about their mercury content, which releases a toxic vapour that can damage the kidneys and lungs. For more information about the My_Dentist dental fillings Adelaide, click here.
The many options available for tooth-filling materials are carefully considered and discussed with patients at consultation appointments. These include resin composites, which are long-lasting and can be closely matched to existing teeth.
Tooth decay
Tooth decay is a dental problem that affects the entire family. It happens when the bacteria in our mouth create acids that damage the enamel and dentine. Those damaged areas can produce pain and inflammation, especially when eating or drinking hot or cold foods.
The best way to prevent tooth decay is by practising good oral hygiene, brushing twice daily and using mouthwash. We should also reduce the intake of sugary, carbohydrate-based foods and drinks to minimise acid formation in our mouths.
The emergency dentist removes the damaged area of the tooth and then puts in a filling, typically made from composite resin or glass-ionomer cement. The tooth filling will usually restore the tooth and alleviate the pain caused by the hole. Depending on the extent of the damage, the dentist may recommend that the tooth be capped with a dental crown. The crown will make the tooth strong enough for chewing again.
Tooth pain
Tooth pain is your body’s signalling that something is wrong and telling you it’s time to schedule an appointment with your dentist. Disregarding tooth pain can lead to more serious problems and costly treatment in the future. For more information about the My_Dentist dental fillings Adelaide, click here.
Sharp pain that lasts more than 30 seconds can be a sign of more serious problems such as severe decay, a loose filling, or a cracked tooth. It could also indicate that the tooth pulp tissue is damaged or dying, which requires root canal therapy.
Lingering tooth sensitivity after dental work is a common problem. Usually, it indicates that the filling doesn’t fit correctly against the other teeth or that you have misaligned your jaws since the local anaesthetic wore off. To alleviate the sensitivity, take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen while you schedule an appointment to address the issue.
Dental fillings
The filling you choose depends on the decay’s extent and the tooth’s location. Different filling materials are available, and each has benefits and costs. Some options include amalgam, porcelain, resin and glass ionomers.
Amalgam is the traditional choice for a filling and has been around for 150 years. It is an amalgamation of silver, copper and tin. It is highly durable and long-lasting, which makes it a popular option for the back of the mouth. However, amalgam is not aesthetically pleasing, and some dentists have concerns about its mercury content, which can release a gas that is absorbed by the lungs.
Porcelain is another filling material that is aesthetically appealing and can last up to 15 years. It is also known to resist staining better than other types of fillings. However, porcelain is usually more expensive than different types of fillings. For more information about the My_Dentist dental fillings Adelaide, click here.
Dental crowns
When tooth decay is spotted early on and treated promptly with fillings, it can be prevented from developing to the extent that it could damage the nerve. However, if the damage to a tooth is significant and left untreated, it may require more complex dental treatment like root canal therapy or even extraction.
Dental crowns are restorations that fit over damaged teeth to strengthen and improve their appearance. They are made from different material types depending on your preference and the type of tooth being treated.
A resin crown is a plastic-type material that’s colour-matched to your natural tooth, while porcelain or ceramic are the most common materials for a dental crown. A CAD/CAM milled or same-day crown is made from a ceramic block using a computerised system in our clinic and can be completed in a single appointment.
