The Importance of Tooth Fillings

If you’re looking for a dentist in Boise, we are one of the top choices in the area. We do restorative, domestic, and preventative dental care. One of the most common dental work procedures you might need is tooth fillings.

Tooth fillings are common in people of all ages and are needed when you have a cavity. They make sure your teeth stay healthy and ensure there is no further decay. There are also many benefits when it comes to tooth fillings. The good news is that tooth fillings are much easier than oral surgery like tooth extraction or wisdom teeth removal. So, don’t worry if your dentist tells you that you need to have a tooth filled.

What is a Tooth Filling?

Fillings are an inexpensive medical procedure that is done when a dentist finds a cavity in your tooth. Fillings are needed when a cavity erodes the pulp chamber of the tooth. If you think you have a cavity, make sure to see the dentist right away as the procedure is much easier done early. Having an early filling will also ensure that you do not have to get the tooth pulled later or have more extensive dental work.

The Importance of Tooth Fillings

Here are the main benefits of tooth fillings so you know how important they are before you go in for your simple procedure.

• Stops Cavity Growth

When you get a filling, the decayed part of the tooth is cleaned out and then a filling material is poured into the hole in the tooth. The filling protects the nerve endings to make sure there is no pain when you eat. If you have pain from a cavity, it’s probably that food or bacteria is touching the nerve endings and causing the pain. The good news is that cavities can be avoided when you follow proper oral hygiene. Make sure to brush twice a day and make sure to floss at least once a day. You also need to go to the dentist twice a year or every six months. Some people may need to see the dentist more often than twice a year. Always follow the guidelines that the dentist gives you.

• Improves Tooth Structure

The composite filling that is put into the hole of the tooth will give the tooth the support it needs to heal. It also makes sure there is no further damage to your tooth. No damage is done to the tooth.

• Improve the Color of Your Teeth

Fillings can also be applied to teeth that are discolored and stained. Teeth are more likely to become stained when you drink wine or coffee. If you’re worried about the color of your teeth, you can make sure to follow a healthy diet and only drink coffee and wine on certain occasions. You can also use a straw to drink them. The dentist can apply composite fillings to stained teeth to make sure they are the same color as the surrounding teeth. If you are interested in more solutions to make your teeth whiter, you can ask the best Boise dentist about teeth whitening trays or internal whitening solutions.

• Protects Teeth from Decay

Tiny holes can form on the teeth. They are not big enough to be cavities, but they are still big enough to trap food and debris. Over time, the holes can grow and become cavities. They can be sealed before they become true cavities. Getting a filling done early makes sure there is no further decay to the tooth. It will also cost you less money rather than having to pay for a few different procedures to get the filling done.

• Makes Fractured Teeth Stronger

Fillings can also be used to repair fractured teeth. Fractured teeth happen when you have a sports accident or have another oral trauma. Some teeth can also become fractured when you chew on hard items like ice or candies. A filling can make your teeth stronger so that you do not experience fractured teeth. Teeth can become weaker when you age, so you will need to get more fillings as you get older to make sure you do not suffer from fractured teeth.

• Helps Avoid Infections

Not getting a timely filling for your cavity makes your mouth more likely to get infections from the bacteria that can grow inside the chambers of the tooth. This can put your health at risk as some bacteria can go into the gums and the bloodstream and make you seriously ill. The tooth can also begin to die and fall out. If the root of the tooth becomes infected, you will need to get a root canal which can be expensive and often painful.

• Avoid Discomfort

Not all cavities are painful, but many are. You will have pain when you eat and drink especially if the beverage is very hot or very cold. Getting a filling covers the exposed nerves so that you can continue to eat and drink as normal. The sealant will also make sure all the decay is removed and that further decay cannot form.

• Get Your Dream Smile

Many people spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars on their smiles. If you allow a cavity to grow, you risk ruining the smile that you worked so hard for. You can get porcelain fillings that are the same color as your surrounding teeth. No one will even know that you have a filling.

Schedule a Filling Today

If you have any pain in a tooth, come to our Boise dentist's office and get it checked out. At Times Square Dental in Boise, we can determine if it’s a cavity or another problem. If you need a filling, it’s advised that you schedule it as soon as possible to make sure you do not get further tooth decay or need more procedures in the future. Getting a tooth filling is a simple procedure that is common for people of all ages. Don’t be concerned if you need a tooth filling. We are here to help! Don’t hesitate to contact us today.