Dental fillings are a common and effective restorative dentistry treatment. The treatment helps repair damaged or decayed teeth in order to restore its full appearance and function. There are various types of dental fillings available depending on your unique needs. Each has their own unique advantages. Below you will find surprising facts about dental fillings.

Surprising Facts About Dental Fillings

Fillings are most commonly used to treat decayed or damaged teeth. Consider the following surprising facts about dental fillings.

Fillings vs Natural Teeth:

The outer layer of your teeth, referred to as “enamel,” is the hardest tissue in the human body. It serves as a protective covering to prevent damage and keep your natural teeth strong. With that, fillings are not as strong as the enamel of your teeth. They are still strong and extremely beneficial in terms of protecting your teeth. But, it’s important to avoid biting down on objects or hard foods with fillings. This will help preserve them for the long run.

Painless Treatment:

So many people experience dental anxiety and even avoid the dentist because of it. There have been so many advancements in the field of dentistry. This has made so many treatments and procedures painless. This includes dental fillings as it is a painless treatment that has amazing restorative benefits. Local anesthetic is used to numb the area and any discomfort afterward can be easily treated with over-the-counter pain medication. Avoiding a filling because of fears about any pain is not necessary as the treatment is pain-free.

Blended and Color-Matched:

Most fillings are color-matched to the natural color of your teeth so they blend in perfectly. This ensures that the look of your smile is preserved and natural-looking. Composite dental fillings are a popular dental filling type for this reason. Many patients opt to get their teeth whitened beforehand. This helps substantially upgrade the look of your smile with a color-matched filling.

Age-Old Treatment:

Dental fillings have been used for more than 150 years. This is because decayed and damaged teeth are not just a modern issue. Dentists began experimenting with various materials to fill cavities. These were often metals, but this transitioned into other materials such as porcelain and composite fillings. The treatment has advanced over the decades and is highly safe, effective, and common.

Long-Lasting Treatment Option:

Dental fillings are common for a variety of reasons as they are effective and safe. However, they are also a long-lasting treatment option. The amount of time your dental filling will last depends on the type of material used, in addition to your oral care routine. It’s important to brush after every meal, floss daily, and regularly visit the dentist. Some fillings can last decades if properly taken care of.

Tooth Decay and Your Oral Health

Tooth is highly common as it affects people of all ages and backgrounds. It is estimated that up to 90% of school-aged children have experienced cavities. Additionally, almost all adults have experienced a cavity. Despite being highly common, tooth decay is preventable. Prevention includes brushing at least twice a day for two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush. It’s best to brush after every meal if possible. It’s also important to floss at least once a day to ensure you get all of the leftover food debris and harmful bacteria from the hard-to-reach places in your mouth. Regular dental visits are also necessary so schedule a checkup at least every six months.

Untreated tooth decay can lead to serious issues, including gum disease or an infection. These can be serious issues for both your oral and overall health. If you think you may need a filling, contact the team at Stonebook Dental. Stonebrook Dental cosmetic dentistry is unmatched in terms of quality and patient-centered care. Contact their team today to schedule an appointment!