Cavities are one of the most common reasons for visiting a dentist. These holes in the teeth indicate structural damage to the teeth that must be addressed to prevent the eventual loss of the tooth.

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is a very common condition, second only to the common cold. Children and young adults are the most commonly affected groups, but tooth decay can affect anyone.

Tooth decay occurs because of the presence of bacteria in the mouth that turns foods in the mouth acidic. Food, bacteria and acid can form a sticky film known as plaque. Plaque eventually forms tartar, which irritates the gums.

When they go unremoved, the acids in plaque eventually damage the enamel coating of the teeth and lead to the formation of small holes or cavities. Untreated cavities can cause a tooth infection or abscess, which can destroy the inner pulp and lead to tooth loss cheap generic strattera.

Filling Cavities

Our dentist can make a dental filling by removing decayed matter using a drill and replacing the opening with a material to seal it and prevent further damage to the tooth. A variety of materials is available to accomplish this task.

These materials vary in strength and appearance, and different ones are used in different circumstances. Two of the main types of materials used for fillings are known as amalgam fillings and composite fillings.

Amalgam Fillings

Amalgam is a material commonly used in the case of cavities. This material is recognized as a strong, safe and durable alloy that has been used for centuries by dentists.

It is composed of one-half mercury and a combination of other metals like copper, silver and tin. This combination of metals has the advantage of being soft enough to fill the space left by the cavity while also being moisture-resistant.

Composite Fillings

When it comes to appearances, composite fillings provide an alternative to amalgam but are used less frequently. One drawback is that they are not covered by insurance since their installation takes far longer, and they have more opportunities to fail than amalgam fillings.

Composite fillings are composed of materials from quartz and a plastic resin that lends it its natural tooth color. The resin is attached to the tooth and later hardens.

Another drawback to composite fillings is that the process provides a small space where bacteria can be deposited.

One advantage to composite fillings is that they require less tooth structure removal than amalgam fillings, which means less drilling is needed. The main advantage of composite fillings is aesthetics, but at a price. They cost up to two times more.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

With locations in East Bradenton and West Bradenton, Parkwood Dental is committed to providing exceptional services to patients, and this includes the filling of cavities. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.