A healthy smile entails more than simply brushing and flossing. At times, even good oral care can fall short of results due to diets, genetics, and the natural deterioration of enamel wear. The brighter side is that dental fillings in Greenville stand as one of the best forms of repair on damaged teeth with protection of overall oral health. Today, we’ll explore the impact of dental fillings on your overall oral health, how they work, and why they’re essential to preventing further damage.
Dental Fillings and Their Impact on Oral Health
1. Prevent Further Decay
Perhaps one of the greatest advantages that fillings can bring about in terms of teeth restoration is to stop the progression of the decay. The decay in the tooth continues the destruction of its structure after being left without a proper cure for some time, which happens due to bacteria working within it. Dental fillings from a dentist near you halt this invasion by preventing bacteria from getting inside the cavity. This can help in avoiding the requirements of more intricate procedures later in life, including root canal therapy or even extractions.
2. Restoring Tooth Function
Fillings restore the function of the tooth besides preventing further decay. Cavities can compromise the structural integrity of the tooth, making it difficult to chew and speak comfortably. A filling will help restore the shape and function of the tooth, allowing you to chew, speak, and smile without discomfort. In fact, fillings for your teeth can continue your normal daily activities without much disruption and, in the case of composite fillings, blend with your natural teeth.
3. Aesthetic Benefits
Fillings used to be mostly made of metals like silver and gold, which would be quite visible when one smiled or talked. Now, with new technology in dentistry, there are composite resin fillings that can be color-matched with one’s natural teeth. These dental fillings near you work great for those who want less visible restoration for cavities in the visible areas, like the front teeth. If you have aesthetic concerns with your fillings, ask your dentist about options like composite resins or porcelain fillings.
4. Preventing Tooth Loss
The destruction of the teeth will be more, and ultimately tooth loss may happen. As time passes, this untreated decay might start to weaken the structure of the tooth, leading a tooth eventually to break or even fall out completely. Fillings prevent all this by offering a solid solution for reinforcing the structure of the tooth so that the tooth is saved from destruction. If done early enough, a filling prevents the need for more involved treatments, such as extractions and dentures, helping you maintain your natural teeth for longer.
5. Minimize Sensitivity
Sometimes, this is coupled with sensitivity, particularly when you expose your teeth to hot or cold food and drinks. A filling can reduce sensitivity by closing the exposed area because it brings back the integrity of the tooth. You can then eat and drink comfortably with your teeth without the ache of sensitivity, which gives you a much better experience and quality of life altogether.
Caring for Your Dental Fillings
It is important to maintain a good oral hygiene routine after fillings to ensure that the fillings are there long, which will contribute to good oral health. Brushing and flossing regularly, visits to your dentist for routine checkups, and avoidance of habits like teeth grinding will preserve the fillings and prevent further decay.
It is also of importance to diet, as particular foods and beverages can cause breakdowns in fillings over time. Sticky candies, sugary drinks, and acidic foods may weaken fillings, so moderation is a good idea. The dentist can make recommendations on ways to protect fillings and take care of your teeth at their best.
Protect Your Smile with Professional Dental Fillings
Dental fillings are a basic necessity for oral care. From stopping the decay and helping to refunction your tooth, aesthetic advantage is the overall key in holding up your smile. For finding dental fillings, consider seeking an experienced professional that will walk you through the right option for you.
Here at Lemon Tree Dental, our dentist in Greenville, SC is focused on giving you top-quality care while making sure that your fillings will be an excellent, long-term solution for your smile restoration and protection. Be it just a simple filling or some restorative work, we’re here for you, ready to accompany you on the road to optimal oral health. Reach out to us today for scheduling!