Dental Fillings
Raleigh, NC
 When you have a cavity, it requires removal of the decayed part of your tooth. To repair this removed portion, a filling must be applied to that area of the tooth to prevent additional wear-and-tear on your tooth. This filling is a vital part of getting a cavity repaired and is often done the same day as getting the cavity removed. However, in more extreme cases, a temporary filling may be placed, and a second visit may be required to insert a more permanent filling. If you are experiencing pain in your teeth, Stansell Dentistry Associates can help locate any cavities, remove them and place a filling of your choice in it.
Getting a Cavity Removed
Getting a cavity removed scares most patients, which may discourage them from visiting a dentist to get it fixed. However, it is often a painless procedure that can be done in under an hour. It is recommended to get your cavity removed and filled as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your tooth. Our dentists will numb the area where your cavity is located then begin drilling or lasering the area to remove the decay. Next, we will use a probe to test if the decayed area has been fully removed. If not, we will continue to drill the rest of the decayed area, followed by cleaning the cavity of any bacteria and debris to prepare it for the filling. If the decay was close to the root of your tooth, a liner is placed around the nerve to protect it. A filling is then placed, where it will be finished and polished to mold perfectly to your tooth.
What Type of Fillings Are Available?
In modern dental practices, you will have more filling options than were offered years ago. You can either receive a gold, porcelain, tooth-colored plastic or glass resin filling or silver amalgam filling. Each one has its advantages and disadvantages, and your dentist will help you understand which is best for your specific case.
Gold castings are extremely durable and can last between ten to fifteen years before a replacement is necessary. It is also an extremely strong filling that withstands the most chewable food, which is beneficial to those who enjoy a range of hard foods. However, it is often one of the most expensive fillings to get and requires two office visits to place correctly. Certain people can also experience galvanic shock, which is when a gold filling is placed directly next to a silver amalgam filling and a sharp pain is caused. This is due to an electric current that comes from your saliva.
Silver amalgam fillings are known as the standard of fillings and have been performed the longest in dentistry. They last as long as gold fillings, usually between ten to fifteen years, and have around the same durability. However, they are less expensive than gold fillings, making them preferred if metal composites are your preference. Silver amalgam does come with several cons including discoloration to the surrounding tooth structure, making them greyish over time. They can also lead to cracks and fractures in your teeth when hot and cold liquids are presented simultaneously.
Tooth-colored composite fillings have gained extreme popularity in recent years. They are the most aesthetically pleasing filling as they resemble the closest matched shade and color of your existing teeth. This is especially important for fillings in the front of your teeth, as they are the most visible when smiling. They also bond to your teeth, providing support for your teeth. They can also be used to repair chipped, worn, or broken teeth, unlike other composites. However, they do lack the durability of metal fillings, lasting only five years before replacement is necessary. They are also more costly in comparison and may not be covered by your insurance plan.
Whether you need a cavity removed or need a broken or chipped tooth repaired, a filling is necessary for either. Call our Stansell Dentistry Associatesteam today at 984-477-0177 to schedule an appointment with a professional dentist to help get your tooth cleaned and filled. |
