The dangers of dental fillings, Tooth decay is one of the most common problems that bother people and cause them pain and discomfort. Therefore, many doctors resort to dental fillings as a treatment for cavities. In this article, we will provide an overview of dental fillings, their most important types, and the centers that specialize in them.
The dangers of dental fillings
The dangers of dental fillings
Dental fillings are one of the treatment methods that help the patient retain the tooth for as long as possible by replacing the damaged tooth with a filling made of a certain material that can withstand pressure and give the teeth a good appearance. In the following paragraphs, we will delve into dental fillings and how to care for them.
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Steps of dental filling
Dental filling is one of the treatment methods for dental problems such as the spread of cavities, which causes a gap or cavity to form, which is then filled with a certain material. There are several steps followed during the installation of the filling, including:
- The doctor thoroughly examines the teeth to identify the problematic tooth.
- The doctor applies a local anesthetic around the gum area and the affected tooth.
- The doctor uses a tool or device to remove the decayed area, which may be a laser or a drilling device.
- The doctor thoroughly cleans the cavity and filling area, ensuring that there are no protrusions or bacteria.
- The doctor prepares the filling material, made from substances such as composite resin and glass ionomer, to protect the nerve from cavities.
- At the end of the procedure, the doctor polishes and smooths the teeth, removes any protrusions, and ensures by applying pressure that the filling is compatible with the surrounding teeth.
For more information on how to install the filling and the tools used, click here.
Why do we resort to dental fillings?
Due to the presence of cavities in the teeth, which is one of the most common health problems affecting adults and children, especially due to consuming a lot of unhealthy foods and neglecting dental care. However, these cavities can spread until they reach the nerve, causing an infection. In such cases, the doctor may opt for a cosmetic filling to repair the tooth and restore its function instead of extracting it.
What material is used in dental fillings?
Over the years, different materials have been used for dental fillings. Doctors used to combine a mixture of metallic materials such as silver, copper, and mercury in moderate proportions. However, due to their protruding appearance and the unattractive look they gave to the teeth, they were improved, and a white material called composite was introduced, which resembles natural teeth closely. Its production involves the use of an organic resin material similar to glue or glass, which acts as a binding agent for the filling.
Fillings are used to fill gaps inside the teeth, and therefore, there are various types to suit everyone, including:
- Silver amalgam filling: This is one of the most common types, consisting of a mixture of metals (silver, zinc, copper, and about 50% mercury). It is known for its durability and affordability for many people. However, some may dislike its apparent color, which gives the teeth an unattractive appearance.
- Ceramic filling: This is one of the most expensive types of fillings, made of ceramic, a type of porcelain. It is highly durable and can withstand pressure, with a color that resembles natural teeth. It is also resistant to erosion and cavities.
- Composite filling: This is one of the most commonly used fillings because its color resembles natural teeth. It is made of resin and plastic materials, which are bonded using blue laser. However, it needs to be replaced every 5 years and does not last for extended periods.
- Glass ionomer filling: This is commonly used for children whose teeth are still changing. It is made of a glass acrylic material that helps protect teeth from cavities by releasing fluoride. Despite this, it does not last for long periods due to its susceptibility to erosion.
- Gold filling: This is one of the least commonly used fillings due to its high cost. It is made of gold and is preferred for use in the back teeth because it is durable, does not erode, and can withstand pressure, allowing it to last for extended periods.
Types of dental fillings
Advantages of dental fillings
There are several advantages that make dental fillings the preferred choice for doctors, including:
- They treat cavities in the teeth.
- They restore the function of damaged teeth due to cavities.
- They improve the appearance of teeth when smiling and talking, depending on the type of filling chosen.
- They resist bacteria, which is the primary cause of tooth decay, through the presence of materials that inhibit their spread.
- They protect the gums from infection or inflammation.
Schedule an appointment today and take advantage of the opportunity to experience the aesthetic and health transformation that our dental beauty services will bring to The Dental Center.
Disadvantages of dental fillings
Like any medical procedure, there may be some disadvantages associated with dental fillings, including:
- They may give an unattractive appearance to the teeth if a certain type of filling, such as metallic, is chosen.
- They may cause allergic reactions to some of the materials used in the fillings.
- The color of the filling may change over time due to the consumption of colored foods.
- It may take a lot of time and effort for both the patient and the specialist doctor, depending on the extent of the damage to the teeth.
How long should a dental filling last?
It is not possible to specify a definite period for the duration of a dental filling, as it depends on several factors, including:
- The patient’s care and attention to their teeth.
- The type of materials used in the filling.
- The doctor’s skill in performing the filling procedure.
Therefore, some doctors believe that with the above factors in place, a filling can last anywhere from 5 to 8 years.
What are the causes of dental filling falling out?
While dental fillings are one of the most successful and safest methods of tooth restoration, there are several reasons that can cause fillings to fall out, including:
- The presence of bacteria around the filling due to neglecting to clean the teeth, which can cause the filling to fall out and the tooth to deteriorate.
- Bad habits such as grinding or pressing the teeth together and excessive brushing, which can increase the likelihood of the filling falling out.
- If the patient chews on ice cubes with their teeth, it may cause the filling to fall out.
- A mistake by the doctor during the preparation and cleaning of the cavity in the affected tooth.
- An unsuitable choice of filling strength, which can cause it to break easily and not last for an extended period.
What are the causes of dental fillings falling out?
Ways to maintain dental fillings
After the dental filling procedure, the doctor will provide you with some tips that you should follow to prevent the filling from falling out and ensure its longevity. Here are some of these tips:
- Visit the dentist regularly to ensure the health of your teeth or if you experience pain in the filling area.
- Avoid bad habits such as opening things with your teeth, chewing on them, or eating ice, as these are major causes of fillings falling out.
- Maintain dental hygiene by brushing your teeth with a toothbrush and toothpaste at least twice a day.
- Use a specialized fluoride-containing toothpaste.
- Use a good mouthwash that kills bacteria, which is the main cause of cavities.
- Use dental floss to remove food particles between the teeth.
- Refrain from smoking and avoid consuming carbonated drinks, which can cause erosion.
Cost of dental fillings
It is not possible to determine a specific price for the cost of dental fillings due to the existence of several factors that can make the cost higher or lower, including:
- The doctor’s experience and skill in installing the filling.
- The location where the filling will be performed, whether a hospital or a clinic.
- The type of materials used in the filling.
- The type of techniques used in the filling.
- The extent of services and care provided by the center.
- The patient’s age and dental condition.
- The number of teeth that require fillings.
Despite this, we can estimate the average cost of dental fillings for adults, which ranges from 900 Egyptian pounds to 1200 Egyptian pounds.
The cost of fillings for children can range from 600 Egyptian pounds to 900 Egyptian pounds.
The price of a composite filling may range from 300 Egyptian pounds to 800 Egyptian pounds.
Get a perfect and healthy smile at affordable prices with dental filling services at the Medical Center for Dental Care.
Best medical center for dental treatment and beautification
When choosing the right center for dental fillings or any other procedure, it must meet certain basic criteria, including:
- It must have experts in dental medicine, whether therapeutic or cosmetic, who hold global fellowships in their specialties.
- The doctor must have successful experiences in their area of specialization.
- The center must be located in an easily accessible place.
- It should have positive evaluations and reviews on the center’s results, which can be easily accessed.
- The center must comply with global standards for patient safety, sterilization, and maintaining cleanliness.
- It should provide modern medical technologies and tools that ensure guaranteed results.
- It should offer suitable services and deals for the patient.
Based on these criteria, we recommend The Dental Center, which provides you and your children with health and aesthetic care. To learn more about the center’s location and prices, please visit their website.
Best medical center for dental treatment and beautification
"Professional Dentist at the Dental Care Medical Center
Welcome to the Dental Care Medical Center, where we offer a full range of preventive, therapeutic, and cosmetic dental services. We have a team of the best dentists in Egypt, who have extensive experience in all areas of dentistry.
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