Dental fillings are used to treat cavities in your teeth. Cavities are areas of decay that end up becoming small holes in your teeth. Without treatment, they can cause further damage to your teeth beyond just a cavity. A filling is what fills these holes up to save your tooth. Cavities can happen to anyone, and dental fillings are a very common procedure for treating the issue. The procedure is highly effective and long-lasting. Numerous factors contribute to how long a filling will last, including your oral care routine, your diet, and what material is used. Knowing how to care for dental fillings is essential to keeping them in good shape.
Types of Fillings
Depending on your unique situation, several different materials can be used for your filling. Below are some of the most common types of filling materials.
- Metal Amalgams: These are silver-colored fillings that are a combination of mercury, silver, tin, and copper. This material is more durable than other materials. However, they are not the same color as your tooth so they can stand out.
- Gold Fillings: These are gold-colored fillings that are a combination of gold, copper, and other metals. These are also highly durable, but they can be expensive. As with the metal amalgams, these are not the same color as your teeth so they will stand out.
- Composites: These are tooth-colored fillings that are a mixture of glass or quartz and acrylic resin. These are also durable and slightly more expensive than metal amalgams.
- Glass Ionomer: These are also tooth-colored fillings but are not as durable as composites. The benefit of glass ionomers is that they are made of acrylic and a type of glass that contains fluoride and helps prevent cavities.
- Porcelain Fillings: These fillings are the most tooth-like as they match your natural tooth color. They are natural-looking yet expensive.
Steps to Care for Dental Fillings
In order to make your fillings last, you should care for them as you would your natural teeth with some extra caution. Just as you would normally, maintain a healthy oral care routine. This includes brushing twice a day for at least two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Use toothpaste and mouthwash with fluoride to help protect against any future cavities. In addition to brushing, floss at least twice a day. Attending your regular dental checkups every six months (or more if necessary) is vital to your oral health. Good oral hygiene habits can help with the longevity of your fillings.
Focusing on a healthy diet is essential for your overall health, oral health, and fillings. Limit sugary drinks, candy, pastries, coffee, and tea. These foods can mix with the harmful bacteria in your mouth and cause more cavities. They can also stain your teeth and damage your current fillings. When you do eat these kinds of foods or drink, rinse with water shortly after. Wait one hour and brush your teeth as brushing right away can do more harm to the enamel on your teeth. Stay away from tobacco products and smoking, as this is also harmful for your overall and oral health. Lastly, avoid hard candies, biting down on ice, or even opening things with your teeth. Your filling can be impacted and potentially damaged.
Dentists in Chino Hills, California
If you think you may have a cavity and need a dental filling, contact the dentists at Dental Care of Chino Hills. The dentists are experienced in dental fillings and providing patients with complete treatment plans to help with any dental issues. They use restorative and cosmetic dentistry based on whatever your dental needs are. Contact today for an appointment!