Getting a Cavity and Dental Filling

What is Cavity?

Tooth decay is the softening of the tooth enamel and refers to the damage of structure caused by acids wherein when the plaque bacteria break down the sugar in the mouth. If this would be left untreated, this will lead to a hole in your teeth. The worst part is that if this won’t be treated the tooth hole may go light yellow-yellow- light brown-brown and finally gets to jet black and at the same time it may go larger over time and may damage the whole tooth structure. There are a lot of causes that lead to cavities; these are just some causes: Poor oral hygiene Not brushing or flossing after eating a meal? Well, you better get started because it can cause cavities. The plaque will build up and attack the tooth enamel. Plaque formation It caused when bacteria, acid, food particles and saliva combines in the mouth and plaques attack the enamel of the tooth and will eventually lead to the formation of holes in the tooth structure commonly known as a cavity. Dry mouth Saliva helps wash the plaque on the tooth structure when you have less saliva, most likely plaques will build up and forms to a cavity. Eating and Drinking This is where everything begins. All of us eat and drink there’s no way we can avoid that, but it does play a significant role in cavity formation. Avoid foods and beverages that may cause damage to our teeth like hard candies, sodas, frequent intake of caffeine beverages like coffee and cola, tea, potato chips and more. Be sure to brush and floss your teeth regularly. Medical problems This also can contribute to damaging our teeth as the acid from our stomach rises to our mouth. One example is bulimia which risks the cavity when our teeth get exposed to stomach acid during frequent vomiting. Bacteria and acid There are bacteria naturally in our mouth; bacteria break down carbohydrates that linger in our teeth that form acid.

What is Dental filling?

A dental filling is the restoration of the damaged tooth caused by decay back to its normal function and structure of the tooth. Dentists first clean the decayed area of the tooth and clean the portion and then fills the cleaned out part and put in the filling material. It also helps in preventing further decay by closing the spaces where bacteria can enter. Materials used in dental filling include gold, porcelain, composite resin and an amalgam (an alloy of mercury, silver, copper, tin and sometimes zinc).

What’s the best type of filling?

There is no best filling, but it must suit to the extent needed repair for your teeth, whether you may have allergies, where in your mouth need the filling and the cost of it. Here are some fillings: Gold According to authorities, gold fillings are the best material because it is mostly gum tolerated, good for long-term use because it lasts for 20 years. This is also the most expensive and requires several appointments. It is made to order and cemented to its place. Porcelain This is also called as inlays or onlays and is produced to order in the lab bonded to the tooth structure. This usually matched the natural color of the tooth and also resist from being stained. Porcelain filling cost is likely to the gold. Composite resin These are made to match the teeth natural shade and materials are mixed and attached directly to the tooth structure where it hardens. This filling usually doesn’t go that long like those other fillings that last for 3 to 10 years. These are easily stained and not ideal for large fillings because it is worn out over time. Amalgam Commonly are silver fillings, resistant to wear and are inexpensive at the same time. They appear much darker and noticeable to compare from porcelain and composite resin and is placed not on the visible part of the teeth.

What would happen if I get a Filling?

The first thing is, dentists will remove the decayed portion of the tooth structure and cleanses it. Dentists have special instruments to check for any abnormalities closely. They may also x-ray the entire mouth or only a portion of it.

How will I know I need to have dental fillings?

Visiting a dentist will likely be the best answer to that since they can detect and determine whether there is a cavity that needs to be filled in. Need Restoration of Chipped Tooth in Odenton? We at True Dental got you covered! Contact us at (443) 438-1054 to book your appointment.