According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), about 92 percents of American adult population aged 20 to 64 years have had permanent teeth cavities. This number alone is sufficient to explain the need for dental fillings in Midwest City, OK. Dental cavities are caused by tooth decay due to bacterial growth. In order to treat a cavity, the decayed part of the tooth is removed and is filled with an artificial material. This process is known as dental filling or tooth filling.
Dental fillings are also used to repair a broken or cracked tooth. In this process, the dentist applies a local anesthetic to numb the surrounding area of the infected tooth, and uses a drill or laser to remove the decayed part. Once the decayed part is removed, the dentist cleans the cavity to remove bacteria and debris and applies the filling material in layers. Any excess material is removed once the filling process is completed, and then it is polished to give it a more finished look.
Types of Dental Fillings
There are four basic types of dental fillings available in Midwest City, OK, including Amalgam, Gold, Ceramic, and Composite. Let’s explore each type and their advantages and disadvantages.
Amalgam Fillings
Amalgam fillings are a combination of different metals such as silver, tin, mercury, and copper. These have a silver color and are commonly referred to as silver fillings also.
Amalgam fillings are one of the cheapest dental fillings available today. Also, filling a tooth with amalgam requires minimal removal of the healthy tooth, which makes them a desirable option as well. However, their use has been decreased over the last few years due to concerns over presence of mercury, which is harmful to human beings.
Gold Fillings
75 percent of these dental fillings consist of gold, and the remainder is made up of silver, palladium, and other metals. There are many advantages of using gold dental fillings. Gold fillings do not feel abrasive to the opposing teeth and as a result do not cause wear and tear of healthy teeth. The only disadvantage of gold fillings is their cost.
Ceramic Fillings
Ceramic dental fillings are made from high grade ceramic material. These are preferred by individuals who do not want their dental fillings to look too obvious. Ceramic fillings are not as strong as gold fillings, but with chemical bonds formed between the filling and the healthy tooth, their strength increases considerably. They are not very cost-effective and feel abrasive to the opposing teeth.
Composite Fillings
These are the most natural looking dental fillings available in Midwest City, OK. These are not pre-structured and applied directly into the mouth by the dentist. Cost is another advantage; however, they have a higher wear rate as compared to other dental fillings materials. Visit the website for dental fillings.
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