Dental Fillings 101: Everything You Need to Know Before and After You Get Them

Most people dread seeing our dentist in Bolingbrook, IL because they think that they may have cavities. What they even fear the most is the process of removing the cavities. The thought of our dentist near you drilling their teeth is quite horrifying.

However, this is not the case. Modern dentistry is not crude and has made it possible for cavities to be removed without you experiencing anything horrifying.

Everyone knows that cavities are not good for their teeth, so there are dental fillings in Bolingbrook, IL, which are used to restore the function of your teeth.

Bolingbrook dental fillings are an excellent treatment for cavities, and they also help save your natural tooth.

Let’s see what fillings are about.

Understanding Dental Fillings

Fillings are usually made from different materials ranging from gold to porcelain that is used to repair broken, chipped, damaged, or worn down teeth from misuse. Fillings are used to “fill” the hole that cavities leave when the damaged part of your tooth is removed.

After eating, the food at times gets stuck in the grooves of your teeth. If they are not cleaned properly, bacteria start accumulating. They slowly release acids to digest the food, which also damages the tooth. If left unchecked, the decay spreads and eventually destroys the whole tooth.

When our dentist uses a filling, the spaces are closed off to deter bacteria from causing further damage.

Types of Fillings

There are a plethora of options when it comes to fillings. The challenge is to find the one that will suit your needs. They have their pros and cons, which are important to know so as you can make the right decision.

Here are the types of fillings available at Sonrisa Dental of Bolingbrook:

Amalgam Fillings

Amalgam fillings, typically made of silver, have been used for over a century. They are among the most common kind of fillings used. Most of the time, these fillings can be a mixture of metals, including tin, silver, and mercury.

Pros:

• They are durable and can last up to 15 years
• They can withstand your chewing forces
• They are cost-effective as compared to composite fillings

Cons:

• Some people find them unattractive because of the dark hue
• They can destroy more tooth structure because they need more space
• They get discolored over time
• Some people have allergic reactions

Gold Fillings

The gums tolerate gold fillings. Since they are metal, they last long, and some people prefer gold than silver or amalgam fillings. They are considered to be the best filling material.

Pros:

• They are durable since they can last up to 20 years
• They are strong and can withstand your chewing forces
• Some people find them more pleasing than silver fillings

Cons:

• They are expensive as compared to other types of fillings
• They take longer to fit since you will need additional visits to get them
• At times you can experience galvanic shock (sharp pain) when placed close to a silver filling, which occurs because of the interaction between saliva and metals
• Some people do not like the appearance of gold

Composite Fillings

Also referred to as filled resins or composites. They are made of a mixture of materials, including quartz or glass. They are made to match the color of your teeth.

Pros:

• They have good aesthetics since they are tooth-colored
• They can bond to the tooth structure which provides further support
• They can also be used to repair broken, chipped or worn teeth
• Less tooth structure can be removed to accommodate the filling

Cons:

• They are not as durable and tend to wear out sooner than gold and amalgam fillings
• You will need additional visits to get your teeth filled
• They are known to chip depending on where they have placed
• They are more expensive than amalgam fillings

Ceramic Fillings

These fillings are made of porcelain and are matched to your tooth color. They are more resistant than composites and more expensive than amalgam fillings.

This restoration covers most of the tooth.

What to Expect

Our dentist near me will use local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth. After confirming that it is numb, a drill or laser will be used to remove the decayed area. Then after all the decayed part has been removed, the area is prepared by cleaning and removing the debris.

The filling will be placed according to the filling that you are getting.

After Care

It is normal for you to experience some pain and sensitivity after receiving fillings. The discomfort will subside after some time.

You have to continue with proper oral habits, and you can use toothpaste for sensitive teeth.

Getting a filling is not a horrifying ordeal; it is the exact opposite. You can contact us at Sonrisa Dental of Bolingbrook if you need dental fillings in Bolingbrook, IL.