Everything You Need to Know About Dental Fillings: Types, Benefits, and Risks

Dental fillings are a common dental procedure used to repair and restore damaged teeth. They are often used to treat cavities, chips, and cracks. Dental fillings come in a variety of types and materials, each offering its own set of benefits and risks.

If you think you need a filling, you should speak with an experienced dentist. At Winchester Family Dentistry of Columbus, Georgia, we take the time to discuss all options with our patients. During your appointment, we will examine you for cavities that may need filling using state-of-the-art technology. Call us today so we can schedule an appointment to assess your situation.

Introduction: What are Dental Fillings and How Do They Work?

Tooth fillings are a common dental procedure used to restore teeth that have been affected by decay or damage. They are applied in the cavity created by the tooth decay, split, crack, or other tooth damage to fill up the tooth, making it whole once again.

When placed correctly, dental fillings can last for many years and help protect the tooth from further damage. When combined with other techniques such as dental sealants and dental veneers (both of which we offer at Winchester Family Dentistry), dental fillings become exceptionally efficient.

If you have questions about dental fillings, call Winchester Family Dentistry of Columbus, Georgia, so we can schedule an appointment with our experienced dentist to discuss your options.

Types of Dental Fillings & How to Choose the Right One for Your Needs

Choosing the right fillings can be difficult when faced with all of the options. The internet is full of information, some of it very incorrect. Composite fillings, amalgam fillings, gold inlays, and onlays… if you’re wondering what all of those words mean, Winchester Family Dentistry can help.

• Composite Fillings

Composite fillings are some of the most common fillings. It is also known as composite resin, or composite resin filling. They tend to have a more natural appearance than other types of filling, and are able to be matched closely to the shade of your tooth.

• Amalgam

These were used most commonly for many years until they were supplanted by composite fillings. Amalgam fillings might also be called silver fillings. With good dental hygiene, these fillings can last up to 15 years. However, since these fillings are silver they lack the natural look of composite resin fillings.

• Gold Inlays

You get what you pay for in this scenario. Gold fillings are very expensive and have the same drawback as amalgam fillings in that they don’t look natural at all. However, gold inlays last longer than silver fillings. On average, we see gold inlays last for 20 years or more.

• Ceramic

Thanks to coffee mugs that chip in the dishwasher and expensive china, most people think of ceramic as a fragile material. However, ceramic fillings (made of a certain type of porcelain) are known to last as much as 15 years, similar to amalgam. Unfortunately, the procedure to install these fillings can be expensive. This is not only due to the cost of the material, but also due to the fact that these fillings usually require at least two appointments to complete.

• Glass Ionomer

Glass ionomer is similar to composite resin filling in that it offers the advantage of a natural-looking dental filling. Glass ionomer can be colored to match your teeth, and due to the smoothness of the material even the seams of the filling become almost invisible. Unfortunately, these fillings are less durable than amalgam and so they remain an unpopular choice. They do have one added perk: these fillings release fluoride, lessening the chance of cavities in the affected tooth.

The Benefits of Getting a Filling and How it Can Improve Your Oral Health

Fillings can be a great way to prevent cavities and protect your teeth from further damage. Done by the right dentist, these minor repairs can also help improve your smile by filling in the gaps caused by decay or other problems. Fillings are an effective way to make less-than-perfect teeth look better, all while helping you to chew more efficiently and smile more confidently.

Not only do they provide protection against cavities and further tooth decay, but they also help restore strength and stability to the affected area. With fillings, you can enjoy improved oral health.

If you are looking for exceptional dental care in Columbus, Georgia, Winchester Family Dentistry is the place to go. Our experienced team of dental professionals provides a wide range of services, from cavity prevention and fillings to help strengthen your teeth structure, to cosmetic enhancements such as tooth whitening and veneers.

Call us today at Winchester Family Dentistry to schedule your visit and experience the best dental care Columbus, Georgia has to offer.

Cavities, Fillings, and When to See a Dentist: Three Major Signs You May Have a Cavity

Do you feel pain or discomfort when eating or drinking? Are you worried that you may have a cavity? If so, it’s important to pay attention to the six major signs that may indicate you have a cavity and need dental work.

• Toothache, pain that occurs without any identifiable cause, or spontaneous pain
• Tooth sensitivity
• Pain during or after biting down
• Visible holes, deep shadows, or pits in your teeth
• Brown, black, or bright white staining on any surface of any tooth
• Sharp pain or mild pain when drinking or eating hot and cold beverages and food

At Winchester Family Dentistry in Columbus Georgia. We understand that cavities can be uncomfortable and even painful that’s why we want to help educate our patients on the warning signs of cavities so they can take steps toward preventing and treating them.

Unfortunately, in many cases, there is no warning sign of a cavity. Usually, painless cavities that are not caught by dentists progress and worsen leading to pain and faulty tooth structure. This is why it is incredibly important to be evaluated regularly by a skilled dentist call Winchester Family Dentistry of Columbus Georgia today to schedule your appointment. We have over 200 years of collective experience in the dental industry. Let Winchester Family Dentistry help you today.