Cavity is basically a hole in the teeth that generally leads them to decay. It is a developed version of plaque, caused by remains of food that get struck in between teeth. They form an acid that leads to enamel decay, paving the way for cavities.
Treating Cavities
A dentist can take care of cavities by replacing the dead tissues with artificial ones, and then capping them with proper filling materials. Different materials are used to protect teeth fcrom further decay. Heavier treatments such as laser therapy can be avoided if the cavity is treated at an early stage.
Types of dental filling Available
Dental filling of oral cavities has become a common method in the past few decades. With the advent of modern technologies, many different dental filling options have been discovered as alternatives to metal filling.
These are some of the options dental filling available.
Amalgam Filling
Being used for more than a century, amalgam filling continues to be one of the most popular choices for dental filling. This method combines metals such as silver, mercury, copper or tin. One of the downsides is the color, very noticeable from normal teeth.
Excessive exposure to mercury may cause certain neurological disorders, which is why this method is not always preferred. Several researches by the National Institutes of Health though, have led to the conclusion that filling is a safe method, and can be performed even by replacing mercury or reducing its quantity in the mixture.
Glass Ionomer Filling
The Glass Ionomer Filling doesn’t affect the color of teeth. It is based on glass and acrylic and mainly used to fill the cavities developed within. It also reacts chemically to release fluoride, which is a helpful element to prevent decay. The major disadvantage of this type of filling is that it doesn’t last for very long.
Composite Filling
This filling has the same color of your teeth and is made by quartz, glass or resin. It is quite durable and doesn’t look as “artificial” as amalgam filling. It is much more expensive than a regular amalgam filling and takes longer to settle.
Resin Ionomer Filling
This filling is very similar to glass ionomer filling. They have the same compounds i.e. glass filler and acrylic. It is mainly used during initial stages of cavities, in between teeth or on roots.
Custom Made Dental Restorations
Sometimes, dentists may create special molds of your teeth, to fill in, or replace damaged regions. These restorations can be made using different materials, from porcelain to gold or any other strong metal alloy. Although porcelain restoration is pretty stable and long lasting, it may cause irritation to the nearest teeth.
If you have a problem with cavities and need advice on treating it, visit Maple Avenue Family Dentistry or call today to schedule your free consultation at (401) 237-4038!
Cavity is basically a hole in the teeth that generally leads them to decay. It is a developed version of plaque, caused by remains of food that get struck in between teeth. They form an acid that leads to enamel decay, paving the way for cavities.
Treating Cavities
A dentist can take care of cavities by replacing the dead tissues with artificial ones, and then capping them with proper filling materials. Different materials are used to protect teeth from further decay. Heavier treatments such as laser therapy can be avoided if the cavity is treated at an early stage.
Types of dental filling Available
Dental filling of oral cavities has become a common method in the past few decades. With the advent of modern technologies, many different dental filling options have been discovered as alternatives to metal filling.
These are some of the options dental filling available.
Amalgam Filling
Being used for more than a century, amalgam filling continues to be one of the most popular choices for dental filling. This method combines metals such as silver, mercury, copper or tin. One of the downsides is the color, very noticeable from normal teeth.
Excessive exposure to mercury may cause certain neurological disorders, which is why this method is not always preferred. Several researches by the National Institutes of Health though, have led to the conclusion that filling is a safe method, and can be performed even by replacing mercury or reducing its quantity in the mixture.
Glass Ionomer Filling
The Glass Ionomer Filling doesn’t affect the color of teeth. It is based on glass and acrylic and mainly used to fill the cavities developed within. It also reacts chemically to release fluoride, which is a helpful element to prevent decay. The major disadvantage of this type of filling is that it doesn’t last for very long.
Composite Filling
This filling has the same color of your teeth and is made by quartz, glass or resin. It is quite durable and doesn’t look as “artificial” as amalgam filling. It is much more expensive than a regular amalgam filling and takes longer to settle.
Resin Ionomer Filling
This filling is very similar to glass ionomer filling. They have the same compounds i.e. glass filler and acrylic. It is mainly used during initial stages of cavities, in between teeth or on roots.
Custom Made Dental Restorations
Sometimes, dentists may create special molds of your teeth, to fill in, or replace damaged regions. These restorations can be made using different materials, from porcelain to gold or any other strong metal alloy. Although porcelain restoration is pretty stable and long lasting, it may cause irritation to the nearest teeth.
If you have a problem with cavities and need advice on treating it, visit Maple Avenue Family Dentistry or call today to schedule your free consultation at (401) 237-4324!
