Dental fillings treat a hole or cavity inside the tooth. They are a critical part of restorative dental care and protecting your tooth from further damage decay can cause once in a tooth.. They can help protect your teeth, stop the growth of cavities, and ensure that the impacted tooth is protected for years to come. Indeed, there are many benefits of getting a dental filling. Here are eight of the most well-known.
1. Fillings Can Last For Years
Dental fillings can last for a long time, usually at least 7-10 years, depending on what they are made of. Fortunately, your dentist can tell if your filling is old, has fractured, or needs to be replaced. As long as you are getting your teeth examined regularly, it will be apparent to your dentist if there is a need for a new filling.
2. It Prevents the Growth of Cavities
Dental fillings have the benefit that by treating a cavity you stop it from growing any larger. By removing the bacteria that cause tooth decay when your dentist cleans out your dental cavity they can prevent the tooth getting a larger cavity in that area and also give you the best chance of not getting further decay in that area of the tooth. As such, you should view a filling as more than just a cavity treatment; it is vital for trying to prevent future decay as well..
3. Enhances the Strength of the Natural Tooth
First, consider the condition that your tooth will be in by the time it comes for you to get a filling: Decay will likely have gripped your tooth to some extent. A tooth that has been given a filling will be strengthened by the material used to restore the tooth. As a result, its natural strength will be weakened by decay as it eats away at the tooth, making it more vulnerable to fracturing.
4. Restores Function of Broken Teeth
Tooth fillings can also be used to repair broken teeth or teeth that have been ground down by bruxism. Depending on the extent or severity of the injury, a filling can be used for significant tooth repair, allowing a tooth to look and function naturally again. .
If you have decay on multiple teeth, requiring multiple restorations don’t let anxiety prevent you from having the treatment you need. Talk to your dentist about the option of sleep dentistry. It can be a great way to ensure you get all the treatment you need as comfortably as possible in as minimal visits as possible.
5. Dental Fillings can Improve a Tooth’s Appearance
Tooth problems are often a significant source of anxiety for individuals. Depending on the tooth suffering from decay or injury and how severe that issue is, damage especially to front teeth can be highly embarrassing or anxiety producing. Dental fillings can address this issue by filing a hole and improving a tooth’s appearance. Dental fillings can also be used to cover and re-shape front teeth to help you achieve the smile you have always wanted.
6. Protect your Teeth from Decay
Remember, a cavity is a sign of tooth decay. Once decay begins without proper care, , a dental cavity can spread, causing more and more problems and potentially leading to the tooth becoming infected. However, you are stopping a cavity in its tracks by getting a dental filling. Removing the decay and restoring the tooth stops food getting trapped in and around the cavity, making cleaning easier and stopping the decay from spreading.7. Fillings Can Release Fluoride Into The Tooth
One of the lesser-known benefits of dental fillings is that they may release fluoride back into the tooth. This fluoride release is not always the case and depends on the specific filling type used. Fluoride release is an added bonus for tooth repair and remineralising any decay left after filling the tooth. . Fluoride can reduce tooth problems by reducing the growth of bacteria and helping to prevent further decay.. In these instances, a filing will not only directly address a tooth problem, but can help to strengthen the tooth overall, thus minimizing the risks of other problems.
8. Fillings Can Be Preventative
Again, this depends on the specific use of a tooth filling. However, in some cases, a dental filling can be preventative, as it can stop the need for larger fillings needing to be done later. In addition, a dental filling can release fluoride, stop the growth of bacteria, and thus prevent further tooth damage. You might need a preventative tooth filling if you have deep grooves or fissures in your teeth or if your teeth are affected by wear or erosion.
Get filled in today
Do you want more information about dental fillings? Would you like to learn more about sleep dentistry, or are you interested in visiting a dentist on Sydney`s Northern Beaches that can help you and your family? Check out Beaches Dental Mona Vale today.
