What Are the Benefits of Getting a Dental Filling?

Mar 08, 2022

Repairing or restoring damaged or decayed teeth is an age-old practice. The modern era has refined this practice to the extent that it is fast and almost painless. Best Dental fillings are one of the most popular dental treatment methods. It is used to fill up areas of a tooth removed by your dentist, often termed a 'cavity.' It is also used for other cases involving cracked or broken teeth. In some cases, you may also see it for teeth that are damaged by tooth grinding or nail-biting.


Dental fillings serve many purposes beyond the aesthetic. You can choose fillings made of a single material or a composite of several of them. Common materials used in fillings are Silver amalgam, gold, porcelain, or glass ionomers. 


Let's examine a few key benefits of getting dental fillings:


1) Prevent Extensive Tooth Decay


Your dentist cleans out the decayed part of your tooth and fills in the cavity with the filling of your choice. This action seals any gap that may trap food particles or other substances, leading to tooth decay. Most importantly, fillings provide relief from pain. 

Dental fillings stop cavities from growing. They protect the nerve endings, which can cause pain when you consume cold or hot food items. 


A decayed tooth can lead to major complications if left untreated. They are a hotbed for bacteria and infections. People without treatment may suffer from pain, bad breath, and many other symptoms. 


Dental fillings stop decay in its tracks and are the best remedy next to complete tooth extraction. It is advised to choose it if the damage is not too extensive and the tooth can still be saved. 


2) Strengthens The Tooth


Dental fillings try and restore your tooth to its natural form. Any cavity or decay in a tooth weakens it. It reduces its bite power, causes sensitivity, and leaves it prone to infections.


Teeth that are decayed tend to get hollow or naturally worn off around the corners. It increases the risk of the tooth breaking away when you bite on something hard. Dental fillings fix these issues once and for all. It remedies the immediate problems of decay and pain while giving them more strength.


Dental fillings are a short and painless process that adds to the longevity of your teeth. The strength it lends to them keeps them going strong for years. 


3) Preserves Tooth Structure


A troubling aspect of the damaged or decayed tooth is the change in tooth structure. These changes in one or more teeth can lead to several problems. They can cause pain by touching soft tissue in the mouth or other teeth while chewing. They can also affect the structure of your jaw and face. Even small changes in facial structure can look unpleasant and may sometimes lead to speech issues.


Dental fillings enhance the tooth structure. It provides the tooth with much-needed support and stability. A white composite is applied to increase the tooth strength. It's a simple procedure, and it's effective in keeping the tooth aligned well in the mouth. 



Benefits of Getting a Dental Filling


4) Lasts For Decades


Modern dental fillings are built to last. You can select the material of your choice that has the most extended lifespan. How long a filling lasts depends on many factors. It depends on the material, price, and method of manufacture. 


Cheaper dental fillings serve their immediate purpose but usually need to be changed in 5-7 years. On the other hand, if you opt for cast gold or porcelain, you can expect them to last for as long as 15-years!


Modern fillings are resistant to corrosion and barely require revisits to your experienced dentist. They are designed to be maintenance-free in all ways. 


5) Remedy For Broken Or Chipped Teeth


A person may need dental fillings for reasons other than filling a decayed tooth or filling a cavity. One may break or chip a tooth in an accident, a fall, or many different ways. This is especially common in children. 


Dental fillings can help with restoring the structure and function of the tooth. As you can imagine, a broken or fractured tooth is not a pleasant sight. Dental fillings help restore the look of the teeth and make them look like natural teeth. 


Fillings for broken teeth are a boon for accident victims. It helps bolster their confidence. The procedure is performed by applying a composite to the affected area and cementing it in place. 


6) Release Fluoride 


Many modern fillings use glass ionomers. These are made from acrylic acid and fine glass powders. They serve a useful function. They release small amounts of Fluoride, which protects the teeth and the gum area from further decay.


This type of filling is used for children and teeth that are not used for direct biting. It is generally used when the decay has seeped below the gum line. Fluoride fillings are usually weaker than other fillings. However, the benefit is that it can be prepared quickly as it bonds directly to the tooth.


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