Are you worried that your Knoxville dentist in IL, will extract your tooth after informing you of a cavity? Trust us – tooth extraction is the last on the list. Dental health professionals will use conservative measures to treat dental issues before resorting to extraction.
If the issue at hand is just a minor cavity, your dentist will only remove the decayed portions of the affected tooth and fill it with a material in a procedure known as a dental filling. Besides treating cavities, fillings are also used to repair broken, chipped, and cracked teeth that are worn out due to unhealthy habits like teeth grinding and nail-biting.
What Are Your Tooth Filling Options?
How Is a Tooth Filling Procedure Performed?
First, your dentist will administer local anesthesia to numb the site. This will also ensure that the procedure is as painless as possible. Second, a special tool is used to remove the decayed portions of your tooth. The device can be a laser, drill, or air abrasion. Your dentist will decide what tool to use based on their experience and training. However, they will also consider the extent and location of the decay.
After all the decayed parts have been completely removed, your dentist will clean the cavity to ensure it’s free from debris and bacteria.
When the filling is applied, your dentist will finish and polish it. If you go for a tooth-colored dental filling, your dentist will use a special light to harden the layers applied to the tooth. Once the process is complete, your dentist will shape a composite material, shave off anything excess, and polish the final work.
What Are the Different Filling Materials?
Cast Gold Fillings
Pros: Cast gold fillings are highly durable and can last for 10 to 15 years. If they are well cared for, they may even last longer. Because of their durability, cast gold fillings do not corrode. They are also impressively strong, and they can withstand powerful chewing forces.
Cons: One of the major drawbacks of cast gold fillings is they are more expensive than others. Getting this type of filling also requires at least two dental visits.
Tooth-Colored Composite
Pros: Aesthetic is the number one reason tooth-colored composite fillings are so popular. It is uniquely made to match the color of your natural teeth so that it blends beautifully, giving you a natural smile and even a smile. Composite is ideally used for your front teeth. The material is also highly versatile as you can use it to repair worn, broken, and chipped teeth besides filling a cavity.
Cons: Unfortunately, composites are less durable than gold and amalgam fillings. Research reveals that they wear out faster. The average lifespan of composite filling is five years compared to gold and amalgam, which can last up to 15 years.
Amalgam Filings
Pros: Like gold, amalgam is highly durable and can last up to 15 years. The strength is also remarkable. Another advantage of silver amalgam fillings is they are significantly cheaper compared to composite fillings.
Cons: Obviously, amalgam fillings have poor aesthetics since they don’t match the color of your natural teeth. Some parts of your healthy tooth may be removed to hold the amalgam filling. It’s also possible to find discoloration in the surrounding tooth because of its strong gray color.
Ask Your Knoxville Dentist in IL For More Information
You have plenty of dental filing options to choose from. If you find it difficult to decide, our expert dentist can help.
At Smalltown Dental, we take time to listen to your needs so we can present the best possible treatment plan made especially for you. We have years of experience in the dental industry to provide you with the best care. Contact us today for an appointment.
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