Fast, Fruitful Facts About Dental Fillings

Are you having problems with your teeth, primarily tooth decay? If you do, then I guess you need to see your dentist quickly, and get a thorough check up to find out if your decaying teeth can be fixed with a – dental filling! Read on to learn more fast, fruitful facts and details about dental fillings.

 

What's a Tooth Filling?

According to mouth and oral care experts, dental filling Redwood City (or tooth filling) is an outpatient treatment procedure which corrects or fixes tooth decay. The dentist first numbs out the patient's mouth, and uses a drill to take out the damaged part of the tooth. Next, the dentist fills the hollowed-out portion of the tooth with a filling material.

 

The filling material used is generally safe, however it does pose a few risks and complications. And, since it's only one of many methods that are used for treating tooth decay, you should discuss all options with your dentist, so that you'll find out which one is best for you.  

 

What are the Different Types of Tooth Fillings?

The two most common materials for dental filling Redwood City are composite and amalgam fillings. Amalgam fillings are called silver fillings, which are a mix of other metals and mercury. This filling may be used in back teeth or molars, due to its durability and strength. It can also be placed in the front teeth, although many don't use it because of it's less-appealing look!

 

On the other hand, composite fillings are made up of a few different types of materials, among which include acrylic and powdered-glass like particles. The dentist can use composite tooth fillings on any tooth, although they may not be utilized depending on the location of the filling. These however are more cosmetically-appealing than amalgam fillings as they match the teeth's color.

 

Who Performs the Tooth Filling, and How's it Done?

A dental filling Redwood City procedure is usually performed to treat tooth decay, which often occurs when bacteria build up on teeth and produce acids which damage the teeth. Once a cavity has formed, the dentist will first clean out the decayed area and replace it with a filling.

 

The dentist could even recommend dental filling Redwood City if your tooth is cracked or has worn down due to chewing and grinding. The placement of the tooth filling can help strengthen the tooth, and stop it from further wearing or cracking.

 

Tooth filling procedures are usually performed by a general dentist or pediatric dentist. A general dentist prevents, diagnoses and treats conditions of the teeth, gums and mouth, as well as the associated structures of the face and jaw. Pediatric dentists take care of the dental requirements of children and teenagers.

 

The dental filling Redwood City procedure is often performed in a dental clinic or office. During the procedure, the patient sits in a reclining position in the dental chair, and the dentists next injects a local anesthetic into the gums near the patient's teeth.

 

Next, the dentist uses a drill in combination with other instruments to remove the damaged part of the tooth. The hollowed-out area is then filled with a filling material, and the dentist will hold a small blue light over the tooth to help harden the composite filling.  

 

 

Lastly, the dentist polishes and smoothens the filling, so that the patient will not scrape it with their mouth or tongue.