Dental fillings are hardly a new-fangled idea. For thousands of years, dentists have concocted dental fillings out of everything from beeswax to precious metals. Fortunately, dentistry has made significant advancements, and we now have more access than ever to safe, effective fillings.
Here, Dr. Thomas Hernandez, our expert dentist at Heritage Dental, takes a closer look at just how far dental fillings have come so that you can feel confident about your treatment.
Why we use fillings
Fillings are often the first step in treating cavities. Cavities are one of the most common oral health problems, affecting nearly 90% of adults over 20. They refer to small holes that develop in your teeth due to decay. Plaque buildup, acid erosion, and lingering bacteria are the common culprits behind tooth decay. You know you have a cavity if:
- There’s a visible hole in the surface of your tooth
- You have sudden or severe tooth pain
- You see brown, black, or white spots on your teeth
- You have tooth pain when biting down
- Your teeth are hypersensitive to hot or cold
It’s crucial to seek immediate care if you notice these cavity warning signs. If you leave a cavity untreated, you can develop severe infections, painful chewing, and even tooth loss, among other oral health problems.
The old vs. the new
One of the biggest leaps in dental filling technology occurred in the late 19th century when dentists realized they could use amalgams of metals, including silver, tin, and gold, to deal with cavities. For many years, amalgam fillings remained the gold standard in cavity treatment — but it didn’t come without risk. It was discovered that these mixtures exposed patients to mercury poisoning, and many found that early amalgam fillings didn’t stand the test of time.
Modern-day amalgams are much safer and longer-lasting, but many of our patients are still concerned about the look and safety of these traditional metal filings.
Enter composite fillings.
Our fillings are made from a unique mixture of plastic resin reinforced with powdered glass filler. They’re not only safer than metal fillings but much better looking. Composite fillings match the shade of your surrounding teeth, so it’s like they’re not even there.
What you can expect
Before we fill the cavity in your tooth, we first have to clear away the decay and sterilize your tooth. We fill the cavity and use a special curing light to harden it. Then, we trim away any excess material and carefully shape it to blend in with the rest of your tooth.
The process takes around an hour from start to finish. If you’re worried about pain during treatment, don’t be. We administer a local anesthetic before we begin to keep you completely comfortable as we work.
Worried you’re harboring a fugitive cavity? Don’t wait another day. Call or click to schedule an appointment at our Tomball, Texas, office.
