We all know how important it is for us to have good oral hygiene by brushing our teeth daily and maintaining a healthy diet. However, even if you are making sure your dental hygiene is top-notch, there might be times when your dentist may recommend fillings in Richmond. A filling can repair cavities or replace lost tooth structure caused by wear and tear, fracture, or damage.
There are many reasons why a dentist may recommend fillings for you. Fillings can be as basic as adding composites to replace lost tooth structure and functionalities such as chewing and biting food. Alternatively, the dentist might recommend the use of metal fillings for tooth decay.
Here are other reasons why your dentist may recommend fillings:
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To Restore Teeth That Have Crowns or Caps
Fillings are also known as restorations. Tooth restoration replaces the lost tooth structure using dental materials such as metals, composites, or porcelain. The aim of restoring teeth is to improve the functionality and shape of the teeth. Fillings also help prevent dental diseases that can lead to loose teeth.
Tooth Crazing and Fracture
Crazing occurs when a surface layer of enamel cracks and appears similar to a cobweb. Tooth fractures can occur due to cavities that cause pressure on the teeth or accidents that cause trauma to the face or mouth. A dental filling can prevent further cracking and restore strength to the tooth.
Tooth Wear and Tear
Wear and tear happen due to aging, habit, or excessive force when biting or chewing. The enamel of the teeth can become thinned by wearing away, which exposes the vulnerable underlying layer known as the dentin. The dentin is often yellow because it contains high concentrations of iron within its collagen matrix. Restoring missing tooth structure helps to protect the dentin and prevent the teeth from further damage.
Preventing Tooth Decay
If you don’t have any cavities, but your teeth are still sensitive, rotting, or corroding over time, You may need a filling to prevent tooth decay. Tooth decay can affect both children and adults alike. If not treated early, tooth decay can lead to pain and infection of the teeth and gums.
A dental filling is not a permanent restoration but rather a temporary solution that restores strength and integrity to the affected area until it heals on its own. You can seek out another treatment option such as crowns, caps, or root canal.
Dark Spots
Having dark spots or stains on the front incisors is quite common since they are apparent. Besides, tooth color can also be determined by genetics, age, and even food coloring you eat daily. These factors are beyond our control, but we can prevent these unsightly problems from happening in the first place. Don’t brush them with harsh abrasive toothpaste if you’ve been noticing darkened spots on your teeth. It will only aggravate the situation and make the stains more stubborn by accelerating enamel erosion.
The process of restoring teeth can be potentially lengthy and expensive if left untreated. However, the benefits of restoring teeth far outweigh the costs since it provides optimal functionality and protection against infections and pain. If you are interested in getting fillings done, make sure you visit your dentist regularly to avoid having more significant problems that would require a more expensive solution.
