If you or your child has a cavity, you are not alone. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), more than 3 million cavities are found each year in the United States. The number one reason children miss school is cavities. According to Today.com, 90% of people have had a cavity at some time in their life. If you have recently been told you have a cavity, your next question is likely, “Now what?”
The severity of the cavity will determine the answer. Your dentist will need to perform a dental filling procedure and have a conversation about the many types of fillings.
Dental Fillings Procedure
When a tooth is filled, the dentist first numbs the area around the tooth to reduce or eliminate any discomfort with a local anesthetic. The tooth will be isolated to prevent contamination and keep it dry by utilizing some sort of barrier or dental appliance. After that, the dentist will use a tool designed particularly for both the cavity’s severity and placement in your mouth to remove the decaying area of the tooth. This might include the use of a laser, drill, or air abrasion instrument, which the dentist has received extensive training on.
Once the decay has been removed, the dentist will clean the tooth thoroughly to ensure there are no germs, decay, or debris that could cause future issues. The dentist will apply the filling material, which might require a specific light to cure or harden the material (for more information on this, see the descriptions of fillings). During the conclusion of a dental filling procedure, the dentist will check your bite to verify proper alignment and then polish the filling to make it as smooth as your other teeth.
Types of Fillings
There are a number of different materials your dentist can use to fill your cavity. Below is a list of the common types of fillings.
- Amalgam (or Silver) – This type of filling has been used for over a century and is made of a mixture of metals including mercury, tin, copper, silver, and zinc. It is durable and long-lasting. These types of fillings are also one of the least expensive options. Because of their dark, metallic color, they are easy to see, so most dentists and patients choose a tooth-colored filling rather than a white one. Because these fillings contain mercury, which is a dangerous chemical, there has been speculation regarding the safety and link to disease. But the ADA (American Dental Association), as well as other public health organizations, have officially stated that there is no evidence that amalgam fillings are harmful to patients. The amount of mercury is tiny, and when combined with the other metals, it forms a durable alloy that has been used safely in millions of dental fillings procedures.
- Gold – Gold fillings are generally the most expensive alternative since they last longer than any other option. Other than the expense (and insurance companies’ unwillingness to pay for them), there are a few drawbacks, including their visibility and the risk of galvanic shock – an uncomfortable sensation that occurs when a silver filling or saliva contacts it. Both are rare! Gold, on the other hand, is a long-term option if you want to spend less time in the dental chair while not being unwilling to spend money.
- Composite – A composite is made from a mix of powdered glass and acrylic resin. Composite fillings have grown in popularity over time, due to the fact that they can be colored to match your natural tooth, making them quite inconspicuous in comparison to metal choices, gold and amalgam. However, they are less durable than their metal counterparts and can chip. But because they bond to the tooth, they can provide support others fillings don’t, and they don’t require as much of the tooth to be worn down in the filling procedure.
- Porcelain/Ceramic – Porcelain fillings also have the benefit of a more natural appearance, but are more fragile than metal fillings, and tend to be pricier. Because they are generally manufactured in a lab and then placed on your tooth, they will usually require more than one visit to the dentist.
- Resin/Glass Ionomer – These fillings are used for small areas of decay, such as those on children’s teeth or below the gumline. They aren’t placed in areas subject to chewing or extreme pressure as they are rather delicate.
There are a variety of fillings to select from if you’re diagnosed with a cavity at your next dental checkup. You’ll want to consult with your dentist to choose the best sort of filling for your procedure.
