A healthy smile is not just about brushing and flossing; it requires you to care for your dental needs as they arise. If you have looked for a dental clinic near you to have a cavity filled or fix a chipped tooth, your dentist will likely have recommended restorative fillings. But what are restorative fillings, and do you need them? Let’s break it down.
Introducing Restorative Fillings?
Restorative fillings are a form of dental treatment to restore damaged teeth due to decay, cracks, or trauma. The cosmetic repair is preoccupied with the looks, whereas the restorative fillings are preoccupied with the functioning, strength, and health of the mouth. Restorative fillings are used to provide structure in parts of the tooth structure that have been lost, to prevent future destruction, and to provide the normal form and bite of the tooth.
Restorative fillings can be of different types, and they include:
- Composite resin fillings—tooth-colored to resemble natural tooth structure and best adapted to visible teeth.
- Amalgam fillings are tough and durable and are placed in areas with high biting force, like the molars.
- Ceramic or porcelain fillings—very appealing to the eye and do not stain easily.
- Gold fillings—powerful and reliable, but least likely to be utilized currently.
Understanding what restorative fillings are may help you appreciate them as an essential aspect of preventive and restorative dentistry.
Importance of Restorative Fillings
Restorative fillings are a lot more than just fixing cavities. If you have a dental cavity that has not been cared for, it will progress rapidly, leading to severe pain, an infected tooth, or possibly tooth loss. Fillings work to accomplish the goal of blocking off areas involved in:
- Preventing the decay from spreading.
- Reinforcing weakened areas of a tooth.
- Reducing sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods.
- Allowing you to save a natural tooth as opposed to extraction.
You can think of restorative fillings as an investment in your oral health in the now and for the future.
Why Do I Need Restorative Fillings?
You may be sitting there saying to yourself, “Why do I need restorative fillings?”
- Cavities can develop as a result of plaque bacteria.
- Teeth that are chipped or cracked due to injury while eating.
- Teeth that are worn down due to bruxism (grinding).
- Small fractures that get in the way of eating.
It is important to take care of the damage if possible to prevent it from becoming a root canal or extraction candidate; therefore, obtaining restorative filling treatment in a timely fashion is ideal.
Restorative Fillings in Kelowna
For restorative fillings in Kelowna, the procedure itself is usually a one-appointment, simple, and painless process.
- Your dentist in Kelowna checks your teeth and takes X-rays if necessary.
- The damaged or decayed part of the tooth will be gently removed.
- The tooth will be cleaned and adequately filled with a durable filling material.
- The filling will be shaped and polished to create a bite and smile alike.
With new and improved methods and materials, restorative fillings help to restore the health of your teeth and blend in with your natural teeth so no one knows the difference.
Restorative Fillings Treatment: What to Expect
Most restorative fillings are able to be done in one appointment. You may notice some slight sensitivity after your appointment, but that usually will go away in a couple of days. Good oral hygiene and regular checkups in a timely manner will assist in the duration of fillings.
For most people, restorative fillings give peace of mind, relieving dental issues before they become a problem, and help to preserve the smile for many years to come.
Conclusion: Restore, Protect, and Love Your Smile
Your restorative fillings are more than just a fix for cavities; they also help protect and preserve your smile. If you are worried that you might need a restorative filling, call Love It Dental to book an appointment and take that first step in restoring and protecting your smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are restorative fillings painful?
Generally done under local anesthetic, the procedure is typically comfortable and virtually painless. - How long do restorative fillings last?
Fillings typically will last 5-15 years or more with healthy practices, depending on the filling. - Can restorative fillings match my natural teeth?
Yes. Tooth-colored composite and ceramic fillings usually end up looking natural. - Do restorative fillings require special care?
Not really, but it should be assumed in some of the care, as would a dentist, for other teeth, such as regular brushing, flossing, and appointments.
5. When should I see a dentist for a filling?
If there is tooth pain, sensitivity, or a cavity, you should book an appointment.