Dental Fillings: What You Need to Know

Tooth decay is a common dental issue that is caused mainly due to lack of proper oral hygiene routine, explains the dentist near Houston, TX. When you suffer from a cavity, a dental filling is used for sealing the cavity and preventing the decay from spreading further.

One of the most common materials used for filling the cavity is gold, amalgam, porcelain, and composite. The type of filling to be used depends on the location of the tooth. It also depends on the allergies you may have to certain kinds of material. Let’s explore more:

Some Filling Material Can Cause Allergic Reactions

An amalgam filling is known for containing mercury, chromium, and nickel. These can cause allergies or side effects in some people. The allergy can be in the form of a rash, swelling, or soft tissue burns. Amalgam is durable and inexpensive, so many people opt for it if they are not prone to allergies. However, if your tooth is visible when you smile, amalgam is not a good choice as it’s dark in color.

Fillings are Softer Than Your Natural Teeth

While the dental fillings have improved esthetically over the recent years, they are still soft as compared to your natural enamel. In fact, some of the filling materials may not even be able to sustain the biting pressure. It is best to avoid chewing on hard items such as ice, nuts, or hard candies if you wish to protect your fillings for a longer duration.

Dental Filling Treatment

While some believe that dental fillings are painful, it is relatively a painless process. The dentist numbs the site of filling with local anesthetic during the procedure. When the effect of the anesthetic wears off, the pain usually subsides by that time.

Most Popular Filling Material

The most commonly used types of fillings are composite and porcelain fillings. Porcelain is a more expensive option and is used when a larger area needs to be treated. On the other hand, a composite filling is used for treating smaller cavities and they last for 3 to 10 years.