3 Things to Know About Dental Fillings

If you find out that you have a cavity, you may think, "How on earth did this happen to me?" As the most common dental condition out there, a cavity isn't something to be scared of. In fact, it's something that your dentist can help you with right away. But what can you expect from your dental filling, and what exactly is it? To help you become more familiar with dental fillings, this article will take a closer look at the basics. 

How Do They Work? 

Cavities are actually holes in your tooth that are caused when there is too much plaque on your teeth. When plaque sits on your teeth for too long, it can erode the enamel, which can cause holes in your teeth. A filling is designed to fill and seal that hole so that nothing can get inside.

What Kinds of Fillings Are There? 

There are several different types of filings out there, including amalgam fillings (which are usually metal) and composite fillings (which are usually made of something like resin). Although amalgam fillings have been consistently popular, a lot of patients have wanted to get them removed and replaced with composite ones because they blend in with your teeth. Also, even though metal is considered to be strong, composite materials like resin are sometimes even more durable. 

What Is the Process Like? 

When you go into the office to get a filling, your dentist may use laughing gas to sedate you. Then, once you are relaxed, they will remove any bacteria or anything from your tooth so that you don't get an infection. Once that has been removed, your dentist will usually place the filling over the top and glue it into place. Once the filling is in place, your dentist will place a small sealant over it and then send you home to recover. The great thing about having a cavity filled is that once the sedation has worn off, you will not have to worry much about recovering; all you will have to do is avoid hard-to-chew foods for a little bit. 

As you can see, cavities are really easy to fill and aren't anything to worry about. If you want to learn more about dental filings, contact a dental office, such as Tijeras Dental Service, today and they will talk you through the process and answer any other questions you may have.

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