Filling you in about fillings!

If tooth pain has got you down, it’s time to take a trip to Now Dental, your friendly dental practice in Carmichael, CA. Depending on your diagnosis, we may recommend fillings. Fillings re the most common approach to restore a tooth where decay has damaged a tooth. A dentist grinds or drills away decay and then fills the cavity with a composite known as a filling. While fillings can halt the growth of decay in a specific area, they aren’t a cure-all. In fact, there are a few things that your dental provider wants you to know about fillings.

Fillings Aren’t Permanent
It’s better to think of fillings as a semi-permanent solution to tooth decay. Typically, the average filling has a lifespan of 12 years. Some may not last that long. The amount that you use your teeth will greatly impact the longevity of your fillings. Depending on where they are located, they could last as little as a few years.

Fillings Have Problems Too
Your dentist always tries to get your filling just right. They mold it to your teeth and do their best to remove all decay before sealing it. But, sometimes things go wrong. If you notice an issue with your filling, it’s important that you contact your dentist as soon as possible. Sensitivity, unusual texture, and pain are indications that something is wrong. Your filling may have cracked or lifted, exposing a sensitive portion of your tooth. The longer you wait to have this issue examined, the more likely it is to become more problematic. Save yourself the pain and future issues by scheduling an appointment at the first sign of trouble.

Filling TLC
Did you know that your fillings require additional care? While brushing and flossing will keep them clean and polished, there’s more that you can do to prevent the breakdown of your fillings. For example, consuming large amounts of acidic or hard food can cause the composite of your fillings to break down. Pay special attention to your diet and avoid chewing exceptionally hard food with those teeth that have fillings. It’s also a good idea to use toothpaste with fluoride and have your dentist check your fillings during your biannual appointment.

Don’t Depend on Fillings
Many people avoid caring for their natural teeth simply because they know that they can have fillings placed at the first sign of decay. While fillings can help, they shouldn’t be something you depend on. Fillings can’t provide the same sort of strength that your natural teeth do. While they do help, they aren’t perfect. Instead, take care of the teeth that you do have in an effort to avoid having to have fillings placed.

If a filling is inevitable, Now Dental has experience and knowledge you can count on for the best result. Now Dental provides premium dental care to patients of all ages. Whether you need an X-ray or a filling, schedule an appointment with our friendly team today!