Dental fillings are necessary for keeping your teeth healthy and intact. When you get fillings, it is important that you know how to care for them properly so they last as long as possible. The following is some information about fillings and how to care for them:
Why Do You Need Fillings?
If you have a cavity in a tooth, the dentist will remove the decay and fill the open area. Filings are used to make repairs in broken teeth or cracked teeth. Fillings are also used to repair teeth that are damaged and worn down by grinding or biting fingernails. For years, mercury was the material used to fill teeth. Now, there is a wider variety of options to choose from. Silver amalgam is a common choice used today, as is tooth-colored composite resin. The resin filings are most useful in tooth repair because this material looks the most natural. A newer material is glass ionomer. You could also choose gold as a filling. The choice you go with will depend on the state of your teeth as well as how much you wish to spend.
How Do You Care for Your Fillings?
The absolute best way to care for your dental fillings is with a good oral hygiene routine. You should brush your teeth twice daily at a minimum, floss regularly, and rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash. You also need to make your regular dental appointments and have regular cleanings.
Over time, you may find that the filling cracks or even falls out. If this happens, the dentist will take an X-ray to see if the filling needs to be replaced or if it can stay as it is. As long as the tooth underneath is protected and the broken filling does not make your teeth appear unappealing, you may be able to avoid a new filling.
You may notice some slight pain after getting a new filling. This is normal and generally goes away within a day or two. If you continue to have pain after a filling, you need to call your dentist to make sure there is no issue that needs attention.
Dental fillings are very common. If you have any issues with your fillings, or if you have questions about which filling material is best for you, be sure to make an appointment with your dentist to discuss your dental filling options. Talk to a company like Tijeras Dental Service to learn more.
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