In general dentistry, dental fillings are one of the most common restorative procedures performed. They are used to address the damage done to teeth, most often as a result of cavities. Continue reading to find out more!
Below is a quick overview of dental fillings in general dentistry, including how they are placed and when they are recommended. This information may be helpful to review, especially for individuals who are not sure what the purpose of a filling is.
Dental fillings are a procedure performed in general dentistry to address cavities. A dental filling is a material made to seal a tooth that has an empty cavity in it as a result of the infected parts being removed. The most common materials used for fillings in general dentistry include composite resin, gold, silver amalgam, porcelain, or a combination.
Composite resin is typically used as a filling material for primary teeth, as they will later be replaced by adult teeth. Although the primary teeth are important and play a big role, composite resin does not last as long as other materials, which is why it is a good and affordable option for younger patients who will soon lose their teeth. However, the other materials are commonly used for adult teeth. Silver amalgam, on the other hand, has been controversial in general dentistry due to its unknown make-up. Regardless, general dentists have found that silver amalgam is actually harmless and a good material for fillings.
In general dentistry, dental fillings are recommended when a cavity begins to form. A cavity is the result of an infection that has formed in or on a tooth. When a general dentist detects a cavity, a dental filling is likely the solution. However, what is important to know is that dental fillings are usually only recommended for minor to moderate-sized cavities. When a cavity has grown and is past the point of being addressable with a filling, other solutions may be required.
In some cases, general dentists may recommend a dental filling to address a crack or chip in a tooth. Of course, more moderate measures may be required depending on the size; however, fillings can be used for small imperfections. General dentists will likely use composite resin or porcelain as these both appear white in color, making it difficult to detect.
It is good to know that dental fillings do not always last forever. Proper care and oral hygiene are required in order to make them last. Otherwise, a replacement may have to be performed, if not a completely new treatment.
When wanting to learn more about dental fillings in general dentistry, it is best to consult with professionals! Any questions or concerns about the process can be appropriately addressed, and an evaluation can be performed. To learn more or to get scheduled for a consultation, reach out today.
Request an appointment here: https://rsndental.com or call RSN Dental PC at (347) 344-5806 for an appointment in our Staten Island office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in Staten Island, NY.
Not flossing regularly can increase the risk of developing oral health concerns, such as dental cavities and periodontal disease, so a general dentist encourages patients to floss several times a day and stick to a consistent oral care schedule to reduce the risk of oral health complications in the future. Flossing is essential to good oral…
Considering cosmetic dental work from a general dentist? Although cosmetic dentistry is its own field, general dentists also offer an array of procedures that can be used to improve the way that the teeth look. There are a lot of different procedures that can be performed in a general dentistry setting. Keep reading to find…
There are multiple reasons why you should ensure that you and your entire household maintain healthy teeth. From having amazing and sparkling smiles to avoiding toothaches, keeping gum diseases at a minimum, being able to chew without difficulties, and other benefits, there is a lot to gain from maintaining healthy teeth. There are lots of…
The use of PPE per CDC guidance is for a primary objective, which is to protect dental care professionals at RSN Dental PC and patients from infection. The CDC guidelines cover selection and use of Personal Protective Equipment, or PPE to ensure safe practices when donning, using and removing PPE per CDC guidelines. This goal…
It is important to choose a cosmetic dentist that you trust, especially when it comes to orthodontic treatment. Before deciding on the best cosmetic dentist for you, it is helpful to have an understanding of the different types of orthodontic treatments and get an idea of which option might be best for you.Every cosmetic dentist…
Dental crowns, or tooth caps, are a common dental restoration for fixing broken, cracked, or decaying teeth. The goal of this dental restoration is to improve the size, shape, strength, and aesthetics of the tooth. Your teeth and the severity of the issue will determine whether the dentist suggests a dental crown for you. In…