Dental Restorations: When do you need them?
Dental Restorations
It might be lame to ask that when will you need to undergo dental treatments. Ideally dental treatment or dental checkups should be carried out at regular intervals. However one must make sure about basic dental hygiene such as brushing, flossing and using mouthwash. Missing out on dental hygiene will lead to dental problems and you might have to undergo dental restorations.
Dental Restorations? But Why?
Well simply because you did not follow the dental hygiene and bacteria played its role. They transformed themselves into a sticky film which is popularly known as Plaque. Plaque is great in producing acids. These acids eat away the enamel causing cavities. So, these cavities don’t just sit at one place and relax. They make their way through enamel going towards the dentin. This is dangerous and this is where you need to undergo the dental restorations procedure.
Your dentist will place a filling after the removal of cavities. However this depends on the fact whether there is sufficient tooth structure remaining after the removal. These are three most commonly used dental fillings in dental restorations:
Composite fillings
These are the latest and the most common fillings these days. In layman’s term it is also called as white filling. They are bonded directly to the cavity preparation and are made out of porcelain or plastic. Composite fillings were used as an alternative to the metal dental fillings. To give them the natural look of your teeth composite fillings are colored which gives them a much more pleasing effect as compared to the other two types of dental fillings. They are durable, strong and give a natural look and feel to your teeth.
Gold Fillings
The reason why your dentist will suggest you for gold fillings is that gold has a tendency of not tarnishing or corroding. Setting up a gold filling is not a one day process. You will have to visit your dentist for two appointments. In the first visit to the clinic your dentist will remove the cavity and will take the impression of the tooth. This is done to prepare the prototype of your tooth. Thereafter a custom made filling is prepared from the impression of your tooth taken at the clinic.
In your second visit the temporary dental restoration/dental restorations will be removed and the void will be filled with gold filling. A cast gold filling is made in a dental lab and sent back to your dentist, who cements it in place in your mouth. You will need at least two visits to the dentist to get the job done.
Amalgam Fillings
Amalgam fillings or Silver Fillings are one of the oldest used dental restorations. These are the ones which is called as metal fillings. The name suggests in itself that the amalgam is all metal. Amalgam is a mixture of metals such as copper, tin and zinc, grounded into powdered form. The silver powder is mixed with mercury and placed into the cavity preparation where it is shaped before hardening.
The reason why amalgum fillings is used less often these days is because they are found to contain mercury. Mercury lead to various problems such as Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, dementia and arthritis. However the recent studies and research of American Dental Association has proved that silver amalgam is perfectly safe and effective.
Conclusion
So now you know almost all about dental restorations and its types. For further information you can speak to any of the dentists located at Dr. Sunil International Dental Center and discuss all your dental problems.
