A dental filling is a treatment that restores and protects teeth that have been damaged by caries or tooth decay.
Caries or tooth decay is a common health problem and is caused by a lack of dental hygiene. Sugary foods and beverages that remain on the tooth weaken the enamel, which can eventually cause tooth decay. Remember to consistently floss and brush your teeth to keep them healthy, clean and to avoid tooth decay.
Ensure that you have regular check-ups with your dentist for preventative dental care measures to find and treat problems early. When a filling is needed, your dentist will remove the decayed tooth material, clean the tooth and then fill it with a material of your choosing. The most commonly used materials for fillings are composite resin and silver amalgam and glass ionomer cement filling.
This is the most common reason why people need dental fillings. Most people will experience tooth decay sometime in their lives due to poor oral hygiene. Tooth decay is caused by food reside, especially sugar that remains on the tooth. Without proper flossing and brushing, the sugar remaining on the tooth will cause cavities. The cavity will slowly grow and eventually get into the second layer or dentine of the tooth.
If your tooth is cracked, fractured or chipped, you may need a filling to restore the functionality and appearance. Tooth damage can happen during physical exercise, so always wear a mouthguard at all times when playing extreme sports. Habits such as grinding or clenching your teeth can also weaken and damage the enamel over time.
Dental fillings are not permanent and depending on the material of your filling, you may have to replace it more often. As soon as you notice a hole beginning to form, see your dentist to solve the problem earlier and prevent further damage and pain. Ensure that you have regular dental check-ups with your dentist to locate existing problems and for preventative care.