Dental Fillings in Fort Worth, TX

Why Dental Fillings Are Necessary

A dental filling is a material that is made from plastic, metal, or glass and is used to fix a tooth. It is usually used to fill a hole in a tooth that has been removed as a result of decay. Cracked and broken teeth can also be repaired with fillings.

Gold, porcelain, composite resin, and silver amalgam are some of the popular materials used to make dental fillings. The type of filling used is determined by the condition and location of the decay, the cost of the material as well as how much your insurance is willing to cover.

Both gold and silver can last 10 to 15 years. They are also a cheaper option than composite resin. Composite resin can match the color of your other teeth. It can also bond to other teeth for more support.

Porcelain can last over 15 years and stains less easily than composite resin. For a filling that is below the gum line, a glass ionomer is used. It can release fluoride to protect the tooth from more decay.

What Are Indirect Fillings?

An indirect filling is made in a dental factory. It takes two visits to install it. This filling is used when your tooth does not have enough structure to support a regular filling, but the situation is not so severe that the tooth requires a crown.

At the first visit, an old filling or any decay will be removed. An impression of the affected tooth and the surrounding tooth will then be made. Based on the impression,  a dental factory will make the indirect filling.

While the filling is being made, you will receive a temporary filling so the tooth can be protected. When you go for the second visit, the temporary filling will be removed, and your tooth will be fitted with the indirect filling. If everything goes well, the indirect filling will be put into place permanently.

How to Maintain Your Fillings

Maintaining your dental fillings requires that you practice good oral hygiene. This means having your teeth professionally cleaned twice a year. You also want to use toothpaste that contains fluoride and floss daily.

You should seek professional help if you live in Fort Worth, TX, and find that a tooth is extremely sensitive. If the filling has a crack or a piece of it is missing, you should also address it. You may also have a problem if there is a sharp edge. At Christina Greene Family Dentistry, we can address these issues for you.