Dental Fillings

Tooth decay, wear, or injury may all be remedied by dental fillings. The materials used to make them can “fill” the gaps left by decayed or broken tooth enamel once they have hardened. Dental fillings are not a panacea for damaged teeth, but they can prevent further decay and ensure that teeth can continue to do their job.

If decay is to blame for the tooth damage, your dentist will use a drill and other instruments to clean the decay out of the tooth before filling it. Dental decay occurs when disease breaks down the hard tissue of the teeth, turning them into a mushy consistency. If it is deemed essential, they will provide a local anesthetic to numb the area so you don’t feel anything throughout the procedure. There are benefits and cons to using any kind of material.

Certain situations may call for the use of a material that is superior to others. The most qualified individual to advise you on your options is your affordable family dentistry experts. Some people have a fear of getting a cavity filled because of the mercury in dental amalgam.

Although it’s true that high levels of mercury exposure can be harmful to humans, the “free” mercury, or mercury that can be absorbed by the body, found in amalgam fillings is so low as to be completely harmless.

Home whitening gel usually needs to be applied daily for two to three weeks. Over-the-counter kits also are widely available for home use. They provide trays to hold the gel, or whitening strips that stick to your teeth.

Talk to your dentist if you want to use these home products. Be sure to follow directions to avoid overuse and possible damage to your teeth and mouth.