Tooth Filling Houston, TXDental Fillings in Houston provided by Dr. Frank Dunlap at Frank Dunlap, DDS A tooth filling is a dental procedure that a patient undergoes in case of damage to the teeth. Damage can be in various forms, such as the disintegration of teeth due to inadequate oral hygiene, cracking or chipping of the tooth due to some accident like a blow to the lower area of the face or jaw, or eroded teeth. All are potential causes of discomfort and infection, and call for a visit to the dentist. Frank Dunlap, DDS will help you by informing you whether you need a Houston dental filling or not, and why you need it. Request an Appointment Also On This Page:
What Are Fillings?Filling is a process in which the damaged area in a tooth is cleaned and filled with a filling material of some sort. If there is a cavity in the tooth, the decay will be removed first, and the area will be disinfected for the filling. Otherwise, the site is just cleaned and made bacteria-free. Methods and Types of Tooth FillingsDentists have different methods to perform fillings. The most commonly used tools are lasers, drills, and air abrasion tools, all depending on the dentist's practice and preferences. Different types of filling materials are used depending on the recommendation of our professionals and the patient's choice. These materials include gold, silver amalgam, composite resin fillings, porcelain, and tooth-colored composite material. How Is a Dental Filling Done?After cleansing, the filling process takes place step-by-step through layering the filling material. Note that if the damage is to the root (which sometimes occurs in cases of cavities), then after cleansing, a liner will be placed before starting the filling to avoid the chances of nerve irritation. After every layer of the filling is applied, it is dried using special light hardeners. After placement and drying of all the layers, the filling is pared and shaped following the desired shape of the tooth. Life Expectancy of a Tooth FillingThe life expectancy of a filling depends on the type of material used for the filling. Certain materials last for a shorter time as compared to the others. The average expectancy for a filling ranges from a minimum of 5-7 years to a maximum of 15-20 years. Fillings can also be damaged by cracking or infection, reducing their life span and calling for an immediate replacement. Taking Care of Your Dental FillingsOne of the most important things after getting a filling done is to take care of the filling. The best way to do that is never skip a day on your oral care routine. Practicing regular oral care is vital to make your fillings last longer and to protect your teeth from infection. Tooth Filling ReplacementIf you notice that your filling is wearing out before the expected time, then it is time for replacement. Infection around a filling occurs when the filling is displaced and pushed upwards, leaving a space beneath it for bacteria to flourish in. Damage to a filling can be due to wear and tear, a blow to the face, or biting too hard on something, causing a filling to crack. A damaged or infected filling needs replacement as soon as possible to avoid damaging the teeth. Schedule a Houston Filling Appointment Today!Dental fillings are beneficial to help gain back the effectiveness of our teeth. To learn more on fillings, feel free to contact Frank Dunlap, DDS at (346) 576-4411. You can also stop by our office during regular business hours and/or fill out the form below. |
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