Dental fillings are more common than you might think. According to The Healthy Journal, eight-four percent of adults have a dental filling. While dental fillings may initially cause some discomfort or pain, they should not preclude you from completing your normal daily routine. In this article, we will discuss what fillings are, whether they are painful, what types are available, and why they are an important part of the dental landscape.

Cavities occur when a tooth has decayed over a period of time, resulting in permanent damage to the area of decay. When sugary and starchy foods are not cleaned off of a tooth, bacteria will begin to form and create plaque on the surface of the tooth. Plaque is composed of acids that will break down your tooth’s enamel, creating tiny holes in the tooth. These tiny holes allow bacteria to enter further into the tooth area. If tooth decay continues into the inner part of the tooth, it can reach the nerve area. This often results in pain, as the bacteria can cause swelling and irritation that puts pressure on the bone and root of the tooth.

Fillings exist to fix cavities to the point that your damaged teeth are restored. While patients sometimes feel a slight discomfort during the procedure, it is uncommon for a patient to experience severe pain. Fillings are a common occurrence in the dental field and dental offices take steps to assure that pain is not an issue. In addition, a local anesthetic is administered to help with any discomfort that may otherwise occur. The entire process may take up to an hour depending on the severity of the cavity in question. Your dentist will first remove the decay from your tooth. Afterward, the dentist will place the filling. You may experience some numbness for a few hours afterward or some sensitivity for a few days following the procedure. 

At Wabash Valley Children’s Dentistry, we offer two types of fillings. Choosing which is best for you is up to your preference, although you may want to ask for the dentist’s recommendation. It is important to keep in mind that the options may differ in cost depending upon the type of insurance coverage. 

Amalgam Fillings

Dentists have been using amalgam or silver fillings for teeth regularly since the 1800s.  Dental amalgam is a mixture of metals, consisting of liquid  (elemental) mercury and a powdered alloy composed of silver, tin, and copper. Approximately half (50%) of dental amalgam is elemental mercury by weight. Their composition makes amalgam fillings durable. Many dentists recommend these fillings for the back of teeth and for larger cavities. This material is more visible than composite fillings but is generally less expensive and lasts a long time. 

Composite Fillings

Patients often elect to have a composite resin filling because they match the color of your teeth and make the filling less noticeable. Composite fillings are made of a combination of quartz or glass filler and therefore have a more natural appearance than the metal amalgam fillings. Composite fillings are less durable than amalgam fillings, and therefore are generally more suitable for small to medium sized cavities. Teeth must be kept dry throughout the procedure when composite fillings are put in, therefore the process may take longer. Composite fillings have become increasingly popular throughout the years, as some patients prefer a more natural look for their fillings.

It is important to fill cavities as early as possible. If they are not treated early on, they can become more difficult and more expensive to treat. As we discussed above, tooth decay is a bacterial infection that will continue to spread deeper into your tooth if it does not go unaddressed and can reach the point where a root canal may become necessary. Make sure to take advice from your dentist when it comes to cavities and develop and follow a dental routine daily to avoid them altogether!

At Wabash Valley Children’s Dentistry, we are hear to answer your questions about your child’s oral health. We will be happy to schedule an appointment for your young one after Halloween. Give us a call today at 812-234-5437!