Tooth decay or trauma can be fixed with dental fillings Carmel IN. They repair the tooth by filling the damaged area with a material that can be either tooth-colored or silver-colored. The procedure requires the removal of the decayed part of the tooth, followed by the placement of a filling material to seal the tooth and halt any future decay.
It’s hard to deny that most people aren’t fond of visiting the dentist. The sooner cavities are treated, the better. Dental fillings Carmel IN help to reinforce your current tooth structure and lower your likelihood of additional tooth decay. This results in shorter visits to the dental chair and lower expenditures over the long term. To minimize your overall risk of tooth decay, it is essential to visit a dentist for regular cleanings and check-ups.
Types of Dental Restorations
Direct Fillings
Dentists can place direct dental fillings Carmel IN in your mouth without the need for a dental laboratory or a temporary restoration. A single office visit is all that’s needed for a direct filling.
Common materials used for direct fillings include.
This type of filling material (silver in color) contains a mixture of mercury combined with silver, tin, zinc, and copper.
Tooth-colored resin composite is made up of a resin base combined with powdered quartz, silica, or glass.
Made of silica glass powder, glass ionomer is tooth-colored.
Indirect Fillings
Prior to your dentist installing them, a dental technician must fabricate indirect dental fillings Carmel IN in a laboratory. Most indirect dental fillings necessitate two trips to the dentist’s office, one to take a mold of the teeth and another to install the restoration. Your dentist may be able to create and place an indirect filling in a single appointment if they utilize CAD/CAM (computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing) technology.
Indirect fillings come in two main types: inlays and onlays. Dentists use them when a tooth has suffered too much damage to be supported by a filling but not enough damage to necessitate a dental crown. An inlay or onlay fits perfectly into your existing tooth structure like a small, intricately shaped piece.
Common materials used for indirect dental fillings include:
This alloy is gold in color and contains a mixture of gold with other metals such as silver, tin, copper, or palladium.
Tooth-colored porcelain contains a blend of minerals, including feldspar, quartz, and kaolin.
The Length of Time it Takes to Recover
You can generally resume your routine activities right away after your appointment, assuming you didn’t receive sedation. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) can alleviate any soreness or sensitivity.
Is it Safe to Eat After Having a Filling?
Once your procedure is completed, you can technically eat or drink whatever you want. It will not harm your new filling in any manner. Waiting for the numbness to wear off can help prevent you from biting the inside of your cheeks by accident. Eat immediately and take the time to chew slowly with awareness.
Is Getting a Filling Painful?
Having a dental fillings Carmel IN should not be painful because your dentist will use local anesthesia to make the area insensitive. Inform your dentist immediately if you experience any discomfort during the procedure, so they can administer additional numbing medication.
Do Fillings Completely Eliminate Tooth Decay?
To put a dental fillings Carmel IN in a tooth, a dentist first needs to take out the decayed or damaged part. Leaving behind diseased tissue can lead to the cavity increasing in size.
Are Amalgam Dental Fillings Safe?
The U.S. American Dental Association (ADA). The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and multiple public health agencies claim that silver (mercury-based) amalgam fillings are safe. Recently, the FDA has released updated guidelines for the use of amalgam fillings in specific individuals. Their research suggests that certain people may be more susceptible to the detrimental health impacts of mercury vapors, and they should try to avoid amalgam fillings if at all feasible.
If you’re dealing with a cavity or minor tooth damage, dental fillings in Carmel IN offer an effective solution to restore your oral health. Dental fillings are used to repair decayed, cracked, or worn teeth by filling in the affected area with durable materials like composite resin, porcelain, or amalgam. At trusted dental clinics in Carmel, experienced dentists assess your dental needs and use advanced techniques to ensure a comfortable and precise filling procedure.
Composite resin fillings, popular for their natural look, are often preferred for front teeth, while other materials may be used for durability in back teeth. The procedure typically involves removing the decayed portion of the tooth, thoroughly cleaning the area, and then placing the filling material to seal and strengthen the tooth.
Whether you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity, visible holes, or old filling wear, prompt treatment with dental fillings can prevent further damage and infection. Many Carmel dental offices provide customized care in a stress-free environment, ensuring that your smile is both healthy and aesthetically pleasing.
For long-lasting results and a pain-free dental experience, turn to a reputable provider of dental fillings in Carmel IN and regain your confidence in every smile.