Tooth filling is a treatment to restore the function, integrity, and morphology of missing tooth structure which results from caries or external trauma as well as to the replacement of such structure supported by dental implants. Tooth fillings are most commonly used to treat cavities, and they are also used to repair cracked tooth, broken tooth or tooth that has been worn down over time.

Usually, when patients develop cavities, the dentist removes some parts of the natural teeth that are infected. Dental supplements are used to fill in this space and maintain the structural integrity of the tooth. Patients can choose to have their cavities filled with a silver amalgam or composite bonding solution. Silver amalgam fillings have been used for decades, are less expensive, and usually last longer than composite fillings.

The dental filling treatment covers two stages: firstly, your dentist will have to clean out the infected tooth, thereby removing all signs of decay and damage; the next step is that your dentist will bond the filling material to the tooth to provide additional strength and support. The tooth fillings treatment is ideal because it can be completed in one dentist appointment, is relatively inexpensive, and results in few side effects.

There are lots of benefits of tooth fillings which includes:

1. Quick procedure:

When only one tooth is affected by decay, the fillings treatment can be completed in as little as one hour. Wonderful right?

2. Long lasting:

Tooth-colored fillings tend to last about five to seven years, while silver fillings tend to last nearly 12 years. This is cost effective.

3. Cost:

Treatment is frequently covered by dental insurance which you can quickly get.

4. Appearance:

Tooth-colored filling restorations produce a natural appearance; often used to replace old silver amalgam fillings.

Although tooth fillings have a lot of benefits, there are still have some risks and side effects attached to the treatment. You should know that both silver amalgam and composite tooth-colored fillings are associated with the following risks and side effects:

A. Sensitivity: Some patients experience sensitivity to hot and cold in the weeks following the procedure.

B. Pain: Some patients experience pain when biting down or applying pressure to the teeth in the days following the procedure.

C. Re-treatment: The dentist will permanently remove damaged areas of your natural teeth and fill it in with a synthetic material. Eventually, the composite bonding material or silver amalgam that is used to fill in this space will wear down and need to be replaced. Dentists expect composite fillings to last five to seven years and silver amalgam fillings to last about 12 years.

Silver amalgam fillings are associated with additional risks. Over time, silver amalgam fillings can expand and contract due to changes in the temperature. This can eventually damage and weaken the surrounding tooth structure. Silver amalgam fillings contain elements like mercury, which can be toxic. However, several studies have been conducted to determine if silver amalgam fillings cause any health risks, and no conclusive evidence has been found.

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