Teeth Filling : Know The Signs And Symptoms

Dental fillings are dental restoration method that dentists use to repair teeth that have been damaged by decay or bacteria. This procedure protects the teeth from any further damage and decay and helps in restoring its functionality. Some cavities are painful while others are not. In case you have a painful cavity, the dental filling will help in alleviating the pain.

There are two major categories of dental fillings: these are direct fillings and indirect fillings. Direct fillings are simply fillings that are directly placed on the tooth and hardened. The procedure for placing direct filling is relatively simple and can be done within a single visit to the dentist. On the other hand, indirect dental fillings are fillings that are created outside the patient’s mouth based on his/her dental impression. The filling is hardened outside the mouth and then cemented on the tooth at a later dental visit.

The indirect dental filling is specially designed to be used on an extensively damaged tooth. It’s a midway option to dental crown. The dentist uses this kind of filling when the tooth is not badly damaged to the extent that it requires dental crown and it’s too decayed for a direct filling. The patient is supposed to attend at least two dental visits for this procedure.

As the dental industry continues to grow, new types of fillings are always emerging. Today, patients have several options they can choose from. Some fillings are very popular; some are rare and expensive while some are still controversial. The most common fillings are made of gold, silver, porcelain, plastic, silver amalgam and composite resin. The kind of dental filling your dentist will recommend for you will depend on several factors. These include how much you are willing to pay, the extent of your tooth damage and durability. Here is a look at some of the materials used for dental filling.

– Gold Cast Fillings

Dental fillings made from the gold cast are quite long lasting. They can go up to 15 years and may even last longer with proper care. This kind of material does not corrode, so it offers a high level of strength and durability. Gold can be able to withstand years of pressure that comes from chewing. If you, however, don’t want a dental filling that is very noticeable, then gold is probably not the best for you. While gold fillings were very popular years ago, they are now slowly losing their popularity.

– Silver Amalgam

If well taken care of, silver amalgam dental filling can last just as long as a gold one. It also can be able to withstand the pressure that comes from chewing thus offering the same strength and durability as gold. However, silver amalgam fillings are less costly compared to gold. Silver amalgam fillings do not match the exact colour of the teeth but can be an awesome option for patients operating under a budget.

The main disadvantage of this kind of filling is that it requires the dentist to remove more of the tooth structure to make space for the filling material. Moreover, they are susceptible to fracturing or cracking when they are exposed to extreme changes in temperature. The patient will need to provide a little bit more care to them compared to other options.

– Tooth Coloured Composites

The most common reason for choosing this type of fillings is that they resemble the natural appearance of teeth. They are the ideal option for those patients who want to hide the fact that they have a dental filling. It is very difficult for people to notice the filling unless they closely viewed up. Another benefit of using a composite filling is that they bond to the natural tooth structure itself. This offers an enhanced level of strength and support. Composite dental fillings can be used to repair chipped, broken or ground down teeth,unlike many other filling materials.

The only downside is that you will have to spend a bit more time in the dentist office since it takes more time to prepare and install. They also wear out faster than other dental materials such as gold and silver. Their average lifespan is five years.

Cavities can start from a very young age. However, young children are not the only ones vulnerable to dental cavities; adults struggle with them as well. While practising proper dental hygiene is the best way to prevent cavities, sometimes you just can’t avoid it. Since cavities will not just repair themselves, you need dental fillings to ensure that minor cavities won’t turn into major issues in future. Here are some signs and symptoms that you need to have dental fillings.

– A toothache or Sharp Pain

One of the most obvious ways to tell that you require dental fillings is when you experience pain in your tooth. Unless your tooth was recently damaged, the chances are that you have developed a tooth cavity on the area where you are feeling the pain. This pain may be constant and seem not to go away no matter what you do. It may also appear as a sharp pain that you experience whenever you chew anything or when you take hot or cold foods and beverages. If such pain continues, make sure you visit a dentist to examine your teeth.

– Sensitivity

Sometimes people experience sensitivity on their teeth due to many reasons. Such reasons may include overactive tooth and gum nerves, receding gums that are slowly exposing the nerves and worn out enamel. However, if tooth sensitivity is something that you’ve started developing recently, it can be an indication that you have developed a cavity. This may call for dental filling to rectify the situation.

– Broken or Lost Filling

Though it might be quite challenging to tell, sometimes you can lose or break a dental filling. You might be able to spot where the filling has popped out, or you may simply feel that there is something different with your tooth. Once you experience such an occurrence, schedule an appointment with your dentist before the bacteria start invading the drilled cavity.

– Dark Spot or Hole in the Tooth

A noticeable cavity will look like a dark spot or a hole in the tooth. If the cavity goes untreated over time and becomes big, you can be able to feel it using your tongue or finger. If you notice such a thing on your tooth, visit the dentist right away before the problem demand for a more complicated procedure such as root canal.

– Fractured Teeth

The main reason for getting dental fillings is cavities, but apart from that, fractured teeth can also be repaired using the dental filling material. This will help prevent further damage to the tooth and prevent decay.

– Administering local anesthetic

Your dentist will first numb the area that will receive the local anesthetic. After the area has been numbed, your dentist will then inject the local anesthetic. The numbing gel and local anesthetic are used to prevent you from feeling any pain or discomfort during the procedure.

– Preparation of the tooth

The tooth is then prepared for the procedure by placing rubber dams into the mouth to isolate the tooth and keep it dry during the procedure. A bite block is then placed between your lower and upper teeth to keep your jaw wide open throughout the treatment. The bite block ensures you do not have to use your jaw muscles to keep your mouth open during the treatment. Both the rubber dams and bite block are used to provide additional comfort during your treatment.

– Removing Decay

Using a high-speed handpiece, your dentist will clean out the tooth decay and bacteria. A high-volume suction piece will then be placed in your mouth to remove any water and debris throughout the procedure. Your dentist may switch the high-speed handpiece to a low-speed one and eventually to a hand instrument to clean out any remaining decay. The dentist will also spray some water and air into the tooth throughout the process to keep it clean and visible.

– Placement of the dental filling

Placement of the dental filling totally depends on which type of filling material your dentist is using. Your dentist will carefully select the colour and material of the filling to achieve the best results possible. This process involves placement of a small amount of soft material on the affected tooth which sets hard by use of UV lights or naturally.

– Filling adjustment

This final step involves polishing and smoothening of the filling to make sure it has a correct bite. Your dentist will give you a carbon paper to bite down to see if the bite is even. In case your dental filling is too high, your dentist will bring it lower using a handpiece and smoothen it out with mild abrasives. This final procedure ensures that your dental filling feels natural and comfortable. This guarantees the durability and longevity of the dental filling.

Nearly all Australian adults experience forms of gum disease and tooth decay. Mostly they come in the form of gingivitis and cavities which are spotted during their routine dental visits. Gingivitis and cavities are common, and they often start as a small concern. However, they quickly escalate to more severe and unmanageable dental diseases if they are not treated early enough. Regardless of what the statistics may suggest, proper dental care is easy and affordable with healthy daily oral habits. Here are simple ways to prevent tooth decay and all the dental health issues that may be accompanied by it.

– Proper oral hygiene

It goes without saying, but we will just say it regardless. Always brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss and rinse out your mouth using mouthwash. Make all this a habit and ensure that you do it in the right way and using the right equipment. If you require some advice on how to properly take care of your teeth and the types of products to use, make sure to consult your dentist.

– Limit Snacking

Try your best to limit the number of times you snack in a day, and when you do, ensure to include foods and drinks that strengthen your teeth and are good for your oral health. Every time you consume food or take drinks other than water, you allow bacteria to produce acids that wear down your enamel. Reduce the amount of acids that wear away your teeth enamel by limiting the number of snacks you take during the day.

– Use a fluoride toothpaste

Dentists recommend that before purchasing any toothpaste, you should read the toothpaste label to ensure that it contains fluoride. Fluoride toothpaste protects your teeth from demineralisation. Demineralization is when bacteria in your mouth combine sugars from the food or drink that you consume to produce acid. This acid erodes your tooth enamel and damages your teeth.

– Try oil pulling

Oil pulling has been used for centuries; this is an amazing way of oral detoxification which has gained some popularity in Australia in the last few decades. It is done simply by swishing a tablespoon of coconut oil or MCT oil in your mouth for about 20 minutes. This simple procedure has been known to cure everything from gingivitis to systemic diseases such as diabetes. If by any chance you are not able to do it for 20 minutes, 3-5 mins are still okay.

– Do not over brush

Do not brush your teeth more than twice a day or longer than four minutes. If you do, this could wear down your tooth enamel which protects your teeth from decay. When your enamel wears down, it exposes an inner layer of the tooth known as the dentin. This layer has tiny holes which lead to the nerve endings,and when the endings are triggered, you may experience a lot of pain.

– Keep your mouth hydrated

A dry mouth can result from many things such as medications and blocked nasal passages. Keeping your mouth moist is important because the saliva is needed to remove food remains on your teeth and flush off the bacteria on the teeth surface. A dry mouth creates a conducive environment for the bacteria to grow and increases the acidity level of your saliva. Chew some sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production.

– Consider a sealant

In case you’ve had many dental fillings and root canals, you may want to consider a dental sealant to protect your teeth from bacteria. You may need to consult your dentist about applying a resin to the grooves of your teeth. This is an occlusal sealant that is used to make it hard for the bacteria to take up residence in your mouth.

– Consume dairy products

Dairy products are filled with vitamins and minerals which promote a healthy dental fluid flow and strengthens your teeth. Therefore, it is a great way to achieve cavity-free teeth.

– Visit your dentist

If you want to avoid tooth decay, then do not be a stranger at the dental office. Going for professional teeth cleanings at least twice a year helps to detect tooth decay early on before it escalates to form cavities.

– Brush and Floss gently

After getting your dental filling installed, you can gently brush and floss your teeth. Always go for a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush your teeth twice a day and floss once. No special care is needed when brushing around your filled cavity. What you need to ensure is that you gently brush your mouth to avoid damaging your enamel and filling.

– Avoid teeth grinding

Try as much as possible not to grind your teeth as it damages your teeth and fillings as well. If you cannot avoid grinding your teeth, ask your dentist for a mouth guard. Frequent grinding of teeth tends to wear down your dental fillings leading to small cracks and chips in your teeth, thereby, increasing your teeth sensitivity.

– Refrain from oral habits which can cause damage to your teeth

Several bad oral habits can result in damaging of your dental fillings. Example of these bad oral habits includes chewing on ice, biting on pens, nail-biting and clenching your teeth. Not only will these habits cause damage to your fillings but also cause your teeth to fracture.

– Avoid extreme cold or hot foods and drinks

Consuming foods or drinks with extreme temperatures for a prolonged period may cause your teeth to become sensitive. It is recommended to avoid these foods and drinks since they will not only cause harm to your teeth but also your filling.

– Avoid sugary and acidic foods

Acidic and sugary foods should be avoided as they can get beneath your fillings and cause dental decay. Over time, your fillings will start to break down and leak. However, if you really must eat acidic or sugary foods ensure that you brush and rinse out your mouth afterwards.

– Take caution when chewing

Always chew gently. As a matter of fact, it may help if you chewed on the opposite side of your dental filling. Also, avoid drinking or eating immediately after getting your fillings, wait until the local anesthesia wears off so that you can comfortably chew your food again.

– Avoid smoking

Smoking tobacco can damage your fillings by seriously discolouring them, thereby making your mouth look ugly. Also, these tobacco stains may stick to the edges of your gums and teeth resulting in bad breath and aesthetics.

– Eat healthily

Eat a lot of vegetables, lean protein and legumes to make sure that you better your oral health. Taking foods that are rich in fibre will ensure that you have a healthy oral hygiene. It also ensures that your fillings stay in place.

– Regular visits to the dentist

Lastly, but not least, visiting your dentist regularly will ensure that your dental fillings are in perfect shape. It is always recommended to follow up with your dentist to make sure that your fillings have set properly. However, in the meantime, you may call on your dentist in case you experience severe pain, notice some cracks on the filled tooth or have trouble biting down. Always make sure to call your dentist if you have any questions or concern, he will advise you on which symptoms are normal and which are not.

Hopefully, this article has provided you with enough information that can help you detect and correct any signs of cavities before they worsen. When choosing dental fillings, it is important that you visit your dentist and carefully discuss the entire process with him or her. Your dentist will be able to make recommendations based on some factors such as medical history, tooth decay, time and financial constraints. He or she will also guide you on what you expect during the procedure.