A dental filling is one of the most effective ways to repair the decayed interior of a tooth or a cavity. Leaving the tooth as it is will only result in the decay spreading and force the dentist to carry out an extraction and replace the missing tooth.
Having the tooth filled is a simple process which the dentist can complete in one session and is a three-step procedure:
- An x-ray is taken to determine the extent of the damage or decay
- The decay is removed and the area thoroughly cleaned
- The resulting hole is packed with a special dental resin
Gold, silver (amalgam) and porcelain are alternative substances that can be used as a filling and which one is used is a matter of “the extent of the repair”, personal taste and cost. Tooth decay, cavities or interior damage is not easy to spot unless the tooth is causing pain. Whether a filling is required or not can only be determined by your dentist using specialised tools and, where necessary, an x-ray. This is why regular check-ups are vital to any good dental health regimen.
Dental fillings can save teeth from extraction which is always to be avoided whenever possible and you can find out more at https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/procedures/fillings/what-is-a-filling