Dental fillings play a vital role in treating tooth decay. If tooth decay has progressed beyond its earliest stage, a filling will help restore the tooth to its former, healthy state.
Tooth decay is damage caused by bacteria, which, when combined with food, causes plaque. Over time, the bacteria in the plaque form acids, which start to eat away at your tooth. There are a few things that accelerate this process:
To prevent tooth decay from ever starting, brush regularly with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, eat healthy foods, visit the dentist regularly, and follow any specific directions he may provide.
If prevention steps are not followed and decay continues, it will progress through five stages. First, the tooth starts to lose minerals due to plaque build-up, creating a white spot. Next, enamel begins to decay, which usually produces a small brown spot. Things start to speed up after the second stage.
During the third stage, dentin decay occurs. Dentin lies underneath the enamel, and, at this point, significant sensitivity or pain may begin. The fourth and fifth stages are the most advanced stages of tooth decay. The decay starts to enter the pulp, which contains blood vessels and nerves. Lastly, bacteria can grow and cause a dangerous and severely painful abscess if the decay isn't addressed.
If the decay is caught during the first stage, a filling is sometimes not required. The condition will usually begin to reverse itself with good dental hygiene and a fluoride treatment or sealant. However, if the demineralized spot is not addressed, the decay will advance to stages two and three. During these stages, a dental filling is the primary treatment option for tooth decay. (Side note: Stages four and five typically require a root canal or a more invasive procedure.)
When a patient comes in for a dental filling, the dentist begins by removing all the decay from the tooth. After he's finished preparing the tooth, he will insert the filling. Fillings are usually made of porcelain, dental amalgam, composite resins, or other medically safe material. The patient will not feel any pain, as the dentist numbs the area before beginning the procedure.
Getting a filling usually takes 15 minutes to one hour, depending on the size and location of the cavity. Tooth sensitivity usually subsides within a day, and the tooth is restored to normal.
The main goal of a dental filling is to ensure more damage is not done to the tooth. The filling, or restoration, is sometimes necessary to prevent tooth decay from progressing. If decay is caught in the second or third stages, a dental filling is the main treatment option. After receiving the filling, the tooth will be restored to its healthy condition.
Request an appointment here: https://clarisseatakhaniandds.com or call Clarisse Atakhanian DDS Inc. at (818) 483-9071 for an appointment in our Glendale office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Composite Fillings in Glendale, CA.
Dental fillings can last a long time, but they are not life-long restorations. Most fillings will need to be replaced after around a decade, with some types lasting longer than others. If you are wondering whether it is time to replace your old dental filling, be aware that as long as it is continuing to…
A dental fillings is one of the main procedures performed on patients. Everyone should see their dentist twice a year. It is during these visits where most oral health issues are detected. If you see your dentist routinely, they can treat these issues right away before they become more severe. Usually, a dentist discovers a…
A dental filling is a restorative procedure that is typically offered by a general dentist. Fillings are done in order to restore teeth that are damaged from injuries or cavities. When dental fillings were first introduced, patients were only offered in one material option. Today, however, there are many different choices that patients can consider.Each…
Dental filling procedures are very common among patients of all ages. They are done in order to tackle minor to moderate cavities, and the procedure is relatively straightforward. However, with all dental procedures comes the need for aftercare. In the case of dental fillings, the aftercare is pretty simple and not too involved. Ready to…
A dental bridge might be the right treatment if you have lost one or more…
Replacing old dental fillings is a part of good oral healthcare from time to time.
Family dentists typically focus on preventive care to stop big problems while they are still…
Oral cancer can occur in any part of the oral cavity, including the lips, tonsils,…
Dental sealants provide extra protection to teeth, especially for those more prone to tooth decay.
Invisalign® has quickly become one of the most preferred ways to undergo orthodontic treatment, especially…
