Fillings provide a solution for cavities or cracked and broken teeth and safely restore a normal look and feel to the tooth. If you live in the Sneads Ferry, NC area and suffer from any of these conditions, the right tooth fillings can make all the difference in your dental health, appearance, and comfort. The first step is to find a dentist to determine the right filling and perform the work to ensure you achieve the best results.
Understanding Tooth Fillings in Sneads Ferry, NC: The Different Types and Procedures
Several different types of dental filling materials effectively treat cavities and other dental issues. The location of the crack, break, or cavity and the severity of these issues will all determine the type of filling your dentist recommends to meet your unique needs. If you live in Sneads Ferry, NC and need to learn about tooth fillings and determine your treatment eligibility, we’ll schedule a consultation to give you more details and ensure we use the right material.
Gold Fillings
Gold fillings are long-lasting and popular among those looking for a visible filling material that stands out. Due to the nature of the material, these fillings are very durable and last a minimum of 10 to 15 years, but they are also the most expensive filling option.
Ceramic or Porcelain Fillings
Ceramic and porcelain fillings last over 15 years and are popular because they resist stains better than other materials used for tooth fillings. However, they are often just as costly as gold fillings.
Silver Fillings
Patients looking for a less expensive filling material often opt for silver fillings, also known as amalgams. These fillings last a minimum of 10 to 15 years and, once applied to the tooth, will appear grayish in color. Some patients may not be eligible for silver fillings due to an allergic reaction. These fillings also have a higher risk of potential cracking due to the way the material contracts and expands at different times.
Composite Fillings
Composite fillings are meant to mirror the color of each patient’s tooth and are inconspicuous once applied to the designated area. Dentists match composite fillings to the exact shade of each patient’s teeth during the treatment process, and the material will seamlessly bond to the tooth. Composite fillings typically last fewer than 10 to 15 years and have a higher potential of chipping long-term.
Glass Ionomer
Glass ionomer is a filling material made of glass and acrylic that corrects issues below the gum line. One benefit of this particular filling is that it helps protect teeth from further decay. It typically lasts less than five years and will wear more quickly than other materials.
Indirect Fillings
Indirect fillings are designed to meet the needs of patients who don’t have enough tooth material to adequately support a filling but don’t yet qualify for a crown. There are two primary types of indirect fillings: inlays and onlays. Onlays are designed to treat large cavities, while inlays correct small cavities affecting the surfaces of the back teeth, where most chewing occurs.
Temporary Fillings
Temporary fillings are applied in very specific instances to temporarily manage a dental issue until a more permanent filling is applied to the issue. They are also applied during emergency dental treatments after a root canal to address pulp irritation and before applying a permanent filling that requires more than one appointment. Temporary fillings are called temporary for a reason; their job is to sustain the tooth until the longer-lasting filling is applied.
Your Initial Consultation
Once you meet with your dentist to determine the right type of filling you need, you’ll schedule your appointment, but the consultation process is the most important first step. During that consultation, your dentist will use different tools to examine your teeth and identify the problem areas.
Your dentist may also perform dental X-rays to gather more information about the severity of the crack, break, or cavity to effectively treat it. The dentist will then provide more information about the different filling options and determine the right one for you based on your insurance coverage, budget, needs, and aesthetic preferences.
Your Filling Procedure
Before beginning the procedure, the dentist will administer local anesthesia to numb the treatment area to ensure your comfort. The dentist will then prep the tooth for the filling by cleansing the area and removing any damaged part of the tooth using tools or a dental drill. This process creates a hole in the tooth that will be filled with the right material.
The filling material will then be applied to the tooth, and different techniques will be used to ensure it bonds to the area. The dentist will ensure the filling is carefully polished within or on the tooth to make it level and even and prevent it from interfering with your bite. After the appointment is over, you’ll be provided with some aftercare instructions and directives on how to promote optimal oral hygiene to avoid any future decay beneath the filling.
Aftercare Instructions
After this procedure, you may notice some tooth sensitivity, which is often a temporary response to the treatment process. This sensitivity typically subsides within the days following treatment. You may need to temporarily avoid eating or drinking certain foods for several hours after your appointment.
Any discomfort will be alleviated with the temporary use of over-the-counter medications. Regarding long-term care, scheduling regular cleanings, brushing twice daily, and flossing will keep your gums and teeth in the best condition and help prevent further decay.
What Causes the Need for Dental Fillings?
Dental fillings in Sneads Ferry, NC are the most common treatment option for patients with cavities. A cavity is a hole in the tooth caused by tooth decay. Improper oral hygiene habits, irregular flossing and brushing, regular snacking, eating sugary or highly acidic foods, and a poor diet all increase the risk of tooth decay.
Aside from cavities and tooth decay, cracks, chips, and breaks are other conditions that must be treated with a filling procedure to repair the damage. Additionally, fillings will wear out after a certain time, and at that point, the patient must undergo another procedure with a new filling material to replace the old one and ensure optimal oral health.
Am I a Good Candidate?
Most patients qualify for a dental filling. Tooth fillings are an effective solution for patients who need corrective dental work or want to address specific aesthetic concerns. Some patients may not qualify for certain fillings based on their health history and increased risk of allergic reactions.
An initial consultation is the best way to determine the best treatment plan and confirm your eligibility for a dental filling. When you choose the right dentist to perform this procedure, you will feel confident at every step and expect a comfortable and efficient procedure and the best, longest-lasting results.
Learn More
Whether you’ve sustained a crack or break in your tooth, need to replace an existing filling, or have a cavity that needs to be corrected, we will design the right treatment plan and help you choose the right filling material based on your needs. Contact a Smith Family and Cosmetic Dentistry location in Porters Nack, Sneads Ferry, Jacksonville, Goldsboro, Hampstead, Wilmington, or Surf City, NC, to schedule your initial consultation.