Filings and Porcelain Veneers Represent Important Tools

Filings and Porcelain Veneers Represent Important Tools in Dental Work, Tooth Care and Dental Health

It used to be that if your teeth began to decay, your only options was to deal with the pain and eventually visit a dentist for a painful tooth extraction followed by the use of full or partial dentures. Today, filings have become the primary way that dentists treat tooth decay and cavities while at the same time preserving the cosmetic appearance of the teeth. The steps in successfully filling a tooth are very standard and include removing the decay from the surface of the tooth and following that up by applying a gold metallic, porcelain, resin or amalgam filling material to seal the exposed tooth area. This filling material not only replaces the decay which was removed from the tooth, but also serves as a barrier to prevent bacteria from further entering the tooth or root causing additional damage and decay which could result in the loss of the tooth.

The choice of material for your fillings is something to be discussed with your dentist. Different materials have different levels of durability and also may have cosmetic consequences. For example, a porcelain filling may closely match your natural tooth color, but it may also be more expensive than a resin filling. On the other hand, resin fillings cannot usually be used on larger cavities due to their lower durability and tendency to chip over time. Silver amalgam and gold fillings are very durable options, but can be expensive and typically do not match the surrounding tooth color. Advanced cases of tooth decay may require advanced cosmetic dentistry techniques including the use of porcelain veneers, dental implants or root canal. The best way to determine what type of care your teeth require is to visit your dentist on a regular basis and discuss your best options for dental care.