Our Quality Natural White Tooth Fillings Provide Relief with A Bright Finish at Affordable Rate in Houston TX
Tooth Fillings sometimes called Dental fillings or cavity Fillings have been used for centuries as a solution for replacing tooth structure lost to decay and it is one of the most commonly performed dental treatments across the world. If you Are concerned that you may have holes/cavities in your teeth or are experiencing mild pain while brushing certain teeth or sensitivity when consuming hot or cold foods? You may have tooth decay that requires a filling. Dental fillings help to restore your teeth and relieve the sensitivity associated with cavities.
A Tooth fillings is a direct restoration used to repair a decayed or damaged tooth and is often the first line of defense for a tooth that has been compromised i.e Decayed or cracked. Tooth fillings help to restore cavities and bring a damaged tooth back to its usual function and shape. These fillings plug the holes in our teeth caused by decay and wear, ensuring teeth are healthy and can continue functioning without becoming a bigger issue
There are several different types of Tooth fillings our dentist will discuss which is best for you depending on the location of the restoration in your mouth, the extent of the repair and whether you have any allergies and of course your budget.
Amalgam (or silver) fillings combine silver, copper, tin and mercury to create a strong and stable filling material. It is durable, easy to use, highly resistant to wear and relatively inexpensive compared with other materials. Amalgam fillings are recommended for restoring teeth further back in the mouth and out of sight due to their dark color.
Composite fillings are made up of resin and finely ground glass like particles. This produces the most natural appearance for your restoration. Composite fillings provide durability and resistance to fracture in small to mid-sized restorations that withstand moderate chewing pressure. There are composite fillings that are strong and resistant to wear now for posterior teeth.
Glass ionomer fillings are tooth-coloured and easily bond with tooth tissue. They slowly release a fluoride over time to help prevent decay under and around the filling. We use these for cavities that have extended under the gum.
Gold fillings are custom made in a laboratory before being cemented into place. They work well with gum tissues and can last more than 10 years if taken care of. Gold is considered the best filling material, but it is often the most expensive option.
Porcelain fillings have a similar cost to gold and are also produced in a lab before being bonded to the tooth. They are a popular choice due to their ability to be matched to the colour of the natural tooth and their stain resistance.
You could need a filling in your tooth for a number of different reasons:
Depending on the extent of damage / decay /chip Tooth Colored fillings cost at Keem Smile Dentistry Houston TX for self paid patients without Insurance ranges in the following:
Root canals are very different to fillings. They are necessary when there has been damage to the tooth nerve (which is why it’s always better to have your tooth filled sooner rather than let it develop into a bigger issue). To find out more about the root canal treatment we offer, check out this content on root canal treatment
Root canals are very different to fillings. They are necessary when there has been damage to the tooth nerve (which is why it’s always better to have your tooth filled sooner rather than let it develop into a bigger issue).
A tooth filling procedure is fast and simple, it can be summed up in five steps.
Then you simply enjoy your new, strong, restored tooth. Each Usually filling takes approximately 15 minutes from beginning to completion, depending on how long it takes for your anaesthesia to take effect.
Caring for your filled tooth will be no different to looking after the rest of your teeth. You should still brush and floss regularly, although after a filling you might notice a bit more sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks for a while. This can be heightened further if the filling was deep (for a larger cavity) but if you have any concerns talk to us straight away. If anesthesia was used during the filling, do not chew anything until the numbness wears off. If you chew anything while you are still numb, you could bite your tongue, your lips and or your cheek without knowing.
Composite fillings can last for many years, but they will not last forever so you must be prepared to have them replaced after 5 or 10 years. It is possible that your fillings may last much longer than that or less. I have seen patient that have had there filling for over 15 years and it is still intact. I have also seen patients that needs a filling replaced every couple of months because of the size of the cavity or chip or the location. Just know that on average your filling should last a couple of years before you need to replace them but they the tooth filling will eventually need to be replaced, depending on the size of the cavity and the amount of chewing force that the tooth is exposed to.
Whenever possible, we will try to fill the cavity without a shot especially for very small cavities. Most patients are just able to tolerate the discomfort if any. Some patients cannot especially those with very sensitive tooth will need to be numbed with local anesthesia. For large cavities on the other hand, you almost always will need to be numbed before the cavity can be removed and filled otherwise it would hurt.
Tooth fillings can be replaced multiple times especially when it is a small filling that is being replaced. It should however be noted that the more times a tooth filling is replaced, the weaker the tooth will become. This is because every time you have to replace the filling, natural tooth structure is often lost. Eventually, the filling may need to be replaced with a more permanent option, such as a crown.
Yes, this is sometimes called recurrent decay. (A type of tooth decay that occurs under a dental filling) A tooth with filling can still get a cavity if the filling is not properly cleaned and maintained. Bacteria can still build up on the surface of the tooth and cause decay. It is important to floss and brush your teeth twice a daily to remove bacteria from the surface of your teeth. You should also come in for your regular checkups and cleanings to have your teeth checked for cavities. If you are not careful about brushing and flossing your teeth, bacteria can build up on the filling and cause a cavity.
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