FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION

How long do fillings last in teeth?

dental fillings in Ventura can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years, depending on various factors such as the type of filling material used, oral hygiene practices, and the location and size of the filling. Regular dental check-ups and good oral care can help prolong the lifespan of fillings.

What are the 5 types of filling?

The five main types of dental fillings in ventura are amalgam (silver), composite resin (tooth-colored), gold, ceramic, and glass ionomer. Each type has its own advantages and considerations, and the choice of filling material depends on factors such as the location and extent of the cavity, cost, and personal preferences.

Young nurse preparing patient for dental procedure at dentist's office.

What are the disadvantages of tooth fillings?

While tooth fillings are a common and effective treatment for cavities, they do have some potential disadvantages. These may include tooth sensitivity, risk of recurrent decay around the filling, allergic reactions to certain filling materials, and the possibility of fillings wearing down or fracturing over time. It’s important to discuss these considerations with your dentist before deciding on the best option for your dental filling.

How many times can a filling be replaced?

Fillings can be replaced multiple times if necessary. However, it is generally recommended to preserve as much natural tooth structure as possible. Dentists will assess the condition of the filling and the remaining tooth structure to determine if a replacement is needed. With proper oral care and regular dental check-ups, it is possible to extend the lifespan of fillings and minimize the need for frequent replacements.

MAKE A QUICK APPOINTMENT

Did you know that more than 530 million children worldwide have dental caries, and that dental caries is the most prevalent disease in both children and adults? This report given by the World Health Organization (WHO) invites us to reflect on dental care.

Visiting our dentist in Ventura in a timely manner will help us to prevent these carious lesions from advancing to the point of losing our teeth. Many times we need a “dental healing” because due to caries or sometimes due to trauma we can lose a part of our teeth; the lost structure will be replaced by dental fillings to restore functionality and esthetics to the teeth. For years, amalgam has been the preferred dental filling, but nowadays with the evolution of dental materials, different options can be found depending on the need of the treatment and the patient’s choice.

Exploring Dental Fillings:

Dental fillings in Ventura act as substitutes for parts of a tooth that have been damaged due to dental caries or trauma. These fillings are crucial to restore the tooth’s functionality, enabling effective chewing. Additionally, they are designed to mimic the tooth’s natural color and shape.

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Exploring Available Filling Options:

In the present day, various kinds of dental fillings are available in Ventura. Among these options, we have:

Exploring Dental Amalgams: Dental amalgams, often referred to as “silver-colored fillings,” are a mixture of different metals, with mercury, silver, tin, and copper being the main components. This material is valued for its hardness, durability, and affordability. However, the metallic composition imparts a gray or black hue, which compromises the tooth’s aesthetics.

Understanding Gold Fillings: Gold fillings are considered among the pricier dental filling options in Ventura. These fillings are made of gold alloy and other metals, offering superior compatibility with gum and tooth tissues. They have been a popular choice for many years due to their exceptional durability. However, akin to amalgam, their drawback lies in the color which affects the aesthetics of the dental restoration.

Exploring Composite Resins: Composite resins, often referred to as composites, have gained significant popularity in modern dentistry. Their likeness to the natural tooth color sets them apart from amalgams, providing a more natural aesthetic. Alongside this, they showcase commendable hardness and resistance.

Exploring Porcelain Fillings: Porcelain dental fillings, much like gold fillings, are placed in the higher cost category. Nevertheless, their merits lie in their impressive likeness to the natural appearance of a tooth and their longevity within the oral cavity.

Diving into Glass Ionomer Fillings: Glass ionomer fillings are specifically employed for children, particularly in their primary teeth, given their moderate resistance. One of the advantages of this filling type is its fluoride content within the components, offering protection against cavities.

WHAT TYPES OF FILLINGS CAN WE FIND?

Nowadays we can find different types of dental fillings among them we have:

Dental amalgams: The amalgams or also known as “Silver colored fillings” result from the combination of different metals being the main ones mercury, silver, tin and copper. Among the advantages of this material is its hardness and durability as well as the cost, but they have the disadvantage that the color they present by their metals do not return the aesthetics to the tooth. Giving it a gray or black appearance.

Gold Fillings: They are one of the most expensive dental fillings in ventura because they have gold alloy and other metals but more compatible with tissues such as gum and tooth, is a material that has been used for many years ago because it has great durability, one of its disadvantages like the amalgam is the color they have because it decreases the aesthetics of the dental restoration.

Composite Resins: Also known as Composites, it is the most used material nowadays due to its similarity with the color of the tooth, compared to amalgams, giving the tooth a natural appearance, they also present good hardness and resistance.

Porcelain Dental Filling: This type of filling as well as gold fillings are expensive, but its benefits are its great similarity to the appearance of the tooth and its durability in the mouth.

Glass Ionomer Fillings: Its exclusive use is in children in milk teeth because its resistance is not very good, one of its advantages is that within its components has fluoride which helps protect teeth against carious lesions.

ARE DENTAL AMALGAMS HARMFUL?

Evaluating Dental Amalgams: Safety and Usage Recommendations: In response to concerns about potential health risks associated with dental amalgams, especially regarding the presence of mercury, several research studies published in the Journal of the American Medical Association have confirmed the safety of dental amalgams. The American Dental Association (ADA) has reasserted their safety for utilization. However, the ADA underscores the need to limit their usage due to the environmental pollution resulting from amalgam decomposition.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises minimizing the use of dental amalgams whenever possible. Specifically, they recommend refraining from placing this type of dental filling in children under 6 years old, pregnant women, women planning pregnancy, as well as individuals with neurological problems. If an amalgam filling is in good condition, the FDA recommends against its removal, unless deemed necessary.

HOW CAN I TAKE CARE OF MY DENTAL FILLINGS?

Essentials of Dental Care Based on Materials: Oral care routines may be material-specific, yet key practices include:

Employ an effective brushing technique, brushing a minimum of thrice a day, with a particular focus on nighttime brushing.
Choose fluoride toothpaste to shield teeth against the onset of cavities.
Combine dental flossing and mouthwash usage with each brushing session.
Attend dental check-ups at least twice a year, with mandatory visits if any alterations in your dental filling are noticed.