A cavity is an area of decay or a hole in a tooth. Once the decay has progressed through the outer covering of the tooth (the enamel), a filling is required to protect the tooth from further damage. A filling is a synthetic material, usually made from a composite resin, porcelain, or gold, which restores structure and function to the tooth once decay has been removed.
Dental fillings are biocompatible ceramic materials that are used to fill cavities. They help restore the affected teeth and prevent them from crumbling or getting further infected.
There are four main types of fillings:
A dental filling is recommended when you have tooth decay. Your tooth may require a filling when:
The dentist will first examine your mouth before initiating the procedure. An X-ray will be taken to determine whether an infection exists or not. If you have a cavity, it will be cleaned meticulously before starting the filling procedure. The dentist then prepares your tooth by etching it with an acid solution to remove the decay and rough it up. Once this is done, the dentist places the filling material on it and shapes it accordingly before curing it with intense light. After this, you will be given a bite test to check whether your teeth fit together properly or not.
Dental fillings are not permanent. However, they can last for years before needing to be replaced. Fillings can last for five to 15 years. Many factors can affect the longevity of dental fillings, including their material, size, placement, and the amount of stress they are exposed to.
Your dental fillings will last longer if you follow proper oral hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing regularly. You should also avoid chewing hard foods like ice cubes or unpopped popcorn kernels as they could damage your dental fillings. Regular visits to the dentist in Portland OR will help detect any issues in your mouth early and treat them successfully before they turn into something worse.
To learn more about the dental services at Pacific Woods Dental, call 503-292-5483, and schedule an appointment now!
MON - WED 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
THU - THU 7:00 am - 4:00 pm
FRI - SUN Closed