Introduction
People suffer from different oral problems, which can be improper care of oral health. As a result, there can be a presence of cavities that can casue some trouble with oral health. A cavity can be identified as one of the consequences of bad oral health and can be painful. It takes place when the hard surface of our teeth gets damaged and the damage forms into a hole. A cavity can also be termed as tooth decay that often takes place due to bacteria. Bacteria emerge from improper care of the teeth and eating unhealthy food. Some of the symptoms of the cavity include discoloration of the tooth’s surface, visible openings in the teeth, moderate pain at the time of eating or drinking, tooth pain generally for no apparent reason and sensitive teeth.
About Cavity Fillings
When someone experiences such kinds of symptoms, they must not wait or hesitate to meet their dentist with an immediate effect. The dentist will most likely have to fill the cavity to eliminate problems of the teeth. Cavity filling can be described as the process where the oral health practitioner fills the hole in the teeth with the help of some tooth-like material.
The process is fairly simple, and the patient is expected to be at his dentist’s office for around an hour. There can be a requirement of taking X-rays of the inside of the mouth. Before filling cavities begin, the dentist will first numb the teeth and some surrounding parts of the gums. After that, he will remove the decay and clean the affected part. Ultimately, the cavity or the hole will be filled with the chosen material. With the help of cavity filling, the holes through which bacteria enter and cause further decay gets closed. This activity will stop the damage to the patient’s teeth on that part as long as he or she continues to take good care of the teeth.
Types of Cavity Filling
There is a range of options available for fillings. The dentist may use gold, silver amalgam, tooth-coloured composite material, porcelain, and special types of glass. However, every material contains its pros and cons.
1. Amalgam fillings:
Amalgam fillings have been considered one of the longest-used materials by dentists for cavity filling and prove to be strong. That’s why it is ideal for filling cavities in chewing areas like molars or the backside of the mouth. Some metallic elements are present in the amalgam fillings, and their presence can be noticed when a person smiles. But one of the good things regarding amalgam or silver fillings is that they are the least expensive.
2. Composite fillings:
Composite fillings are prepared from a mixture of plastic-type materials and are best suited for slighter to mid-sized cavities in teeth that perform good chewing. One of their advantages is that they can be customized to be the exact color of the patient’s teeth.
3. Porcelain fillings:
Porcelain fillings can also be identified as inlays and onlays, and just like composite fillings; they can also be matched to the tooth’s colour. The cost of porcelain fillings can be compared to similar to gold, and they tend to resist staining.
4. Cavity filling:
Cavity filling can also be done with the help of metals like silver amalgam or gold; both are counted as one of the common metals for this activity. However, there is a huge difference in the cost of both these metals as gold filling proves to be more costly than silver amalgam fillings. It is said that the life of metal fillings can be stretched up to 10-15 years.
5. Glass Ionomer Cavity
A filling known as glass ionomer cavity filling proves to be less durable if we compare it with other types and contains a nearly five-year life. It is a kind of composite filling and discharges fluoride to assist safeguard the teeth.
Some helpful suggestions can be applied by someone who has undergone cavity filling. Maintaining good oral hygiene after the filling is the first and most important thing. It means he or she will have to brush nearly two times a day, and it will be better if they attempt to floss at least once daily. Also, manage to visit the dentist twice a year to perform some check-ups, and if there is any other oral health problem, the dentist will identify and try to solve the issue.
Make sure to keep an eye on the diet and avoid those sticky or hard foods, as they can dislodge the filling. It will be an ordinary activity to feel some discomfort for some days, but if there is a presence of sensitivity, a visible crack in the filling or if the part of the filling has been missed, try to call the dentist.