Dental fillings are used to restore your tooth’s health. If you suffer from a cavity, for example, your dentist may need to drill out the infected part of your tooth. This may remove the infection, however, you’ll be left with a hole in your tooth, and sensitive parts of your tooth, such as the pulp, will be left exposed. A filling will protect your teeth and fill the hole. Contact Dr. James Oldham to discuss dental fillings in Smithfield, NC
In order to better understand dental fillings, it helps to know what they’re made of. Let’s take a look at the most common filling materials used.
Dental Filling Materials Explained
Teeth are quite strong. That said, bacteria can damage your teeth, causing cavities, gum disease, infections, and other problems. Sometimes, the tooth must be removed and replaced with a crown and a dental implant. Other times, however, drilling and filling a cavity is enough.
Fillings are generally made out of sturdy materials. Metals, such as alloys of silver, copper, and tin, are common. These alloys are often referred to as dental amalgam and they’re favored both because they are sturdy and resistant to corrosion while also offering great value.
That said, you can also get composite, porcelain, and glass ionomer fillings. You can even opt for gold fillings if you’d like something with a bit more glitz. Composite and porcelain fillings look more like natural teeth. However, composite fillings tend to wear out relatively quickly, while porcelain fillings are typically more expensive.
If decay extends to the root of the tooth, you may need glass ionomer fillings. Ultimately, the right type of filling depends on your situation. Not sure which filling is best for you? Contact Dr. Oldham to discuss dental fillings in Smithfield, NC.
Why Do I Need a Filling?
Teeth can become infected. Unfortunately, bacteria can cause extensive damage to teeth. In some cases, you made need to replace the tooth completely. In these situations, a dental implant is often placed in your gums and then a crown is fitted on top. If infections are caught early and filled, the risk of needing to remove the tooth is reduced.
That said, you may still need root canal therapy or dental filling. If the infection is caught early, you may only need a filling. In this case, decay has left a hole in your teeth. It may be possible to fill in this hole with a dental filling.
If the infection spreads, it’ll infect the pulp inside of your teeth. From there, it could even spread further, infecting your gums and other tissues. If the pulp is damaged, you may need root canal therapy. Dental fillings may save you from these hassles.
Call 919 934 4909 to speak with Dr. Oldham about dental filling options in Smithfield, NC.