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Repair missing tooth structure from cavities or dental trauma with dental fillings. Contact us at Bow Tie Dentist today to schedule an appointment with Palm Harbor dentist Dr. Saimon Ramos.
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If you eat a diet high in carbohydrates and sugar, you have an increased risk of developing cavities, especially if you aren’t vigilant about your oral hygiene. This is because when food particles are left behind in the mouth, bacterial plaque forms and feeds off of sugars, converting them into acids.
These acids then attack your tooth enamel and, over time, form holes or cavities in the tooth. When we catch a cavity, we have to remove the decay by drilling it out and then we restore the tooth’s structure with a filling. Fillings are also used to repair damage to a tooth that has occurred from dental trauma, teeth grinding, or genetic factors.
We offer tooth-colored composite resin fillings because they are durable and offer superior aesthetics when it comes to blending in with your natural teeth. Traditionally, silver amalgam fillings used to be the standard. However, not only do they leave a noticeable silver color in your teeth, but they also contain mercury.
While the amount of mercury in amalgam fillings is considered safe, some patients have health concerns about their mercury exposure and they are not recommended for use in pregnant women or patients with metal allergies.
Composite resin fillings also don’t require as much removal of the natural tooth structure in preparation for the filling. Our patients feel much more confident and comfortable in their smiles knowing that their fillings blend in with their natural teeth.
The process begins with a consultation in our office. Dr. Ramos will examine your teeth for tooth decay and gum disease and take x-rays to get a closer look at the condition of your tooth. If damage to the dental pulp is revealed, you may need a root canal.
We will administer a local anesthetic to numb your mouth and use a dental drill to remove any remaining tooth decay. Then, the tooth is cleaned and dried before layering the composite resin onto the tooth. We will cure the composite resin with a UV light after each layer, which will instantly harden it. After performing any necessary additional shaping, we will polish the tooth.
This ultimately depends on the type of filling you get, where it’s located, and your lifestyle. Composite resin fillings have a lifespan of 5-7 years and with proper care, they can last for 10 years. Fillings placed in the rear molars are likely to wear down sooner than fillings placed in the front teeth because of the force of chewing.
To care for your fillings, you should brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss regularly. Wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth at night because this can wear down your fillings. Avoid hard and sticky foods which can break or dislodge the fillings. Take care of your teeth by avoiding chewing on objects or using them to open packages.
Failure to fill a cavity will result in worsening decay. Once the decay penetrates the dental pulp, which is the soft inside layer of your tooth that contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue, you will need a root canal or extraction.
A tooth infection will result in swelling, an abscess, discoloration, sensitivity, and severe pain. If you have irreversible pulpitis because you left it untreated for too long, the tooth will need to be extracted and replaced.
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