Why do i need a filling?

Are you the kind of person who loves sweets and forgets to brush their teeth? Congrats! You may be on your way to experiencing one of life’s great joys: getting a filling in your tooth. But why do we need these pesky little things inserted into our mouths? Let’s take a deep dive into the world of dental fillings.

What is a Filling?

First things first, what exactly is a filling? A filling is simply a material that dentists use to replace parts of teeth that have been damaged by cavities or decay. This process helps relieve pain and prevent further damage — sort of like putting duct tape on your sink when it starts leaking.

The Dreaded Cavity

Nobody likes having cavities (well, maybe some people…we don’t judge), but how do they actually form? It all comes down to bacteria mixing with leftover food particles in our mouth. Yum. Eventually, this mixture forms plaque, which then eats away at tooth enamel until there’s nothing left but an exposed nerve (OUCH).

So basically, if you’re not flossing and brushing regularly, you’re just asking for trouble — but hey, who has time for dental hygiene when Netflix exists?

Sizing Up Your Options

Now let’s get down to brass tacks (not literally because please keep metal objects out of your mouth): what are the different types of materials used in fillings?
– Amalgam Fillings: These are made up primarily of mercury mixed with other metals such as silver or tin. They’ve been around since 1828 (yes really) and last longer than any other type.
– Composite Resin Fillings: Made from plastic mixed with glass or ceramic particles/ incredibly popular option due to its natural-looking appearance.
– Gold Foil Fillings: Yes folks, these still exist. But don’t go thinking you’ll look like a rapper with a mouth full of bling — they’re more commonly used on molars that aren’t visible when you smile.
– Ceramic Fillings: These tooth-colored fillings are similar to composite resin, but they have the added bonus of being stain-resistant.

Each type has its own pros and cons, so be sure to talk to your dentist about what’s best for your needs.

The Filling Procedure

So let’s say you’ve got a pesky cavity or two (or ten) that need filling. What does the actual procedure entail?
1. Your dentist will numb the area around the infected tooth, which might be uncomfortable at first but is necessary in order for them to work without causing any pain.
2. They’ll then remove all of the decay from inside and outside of your tooth until only healthy tissue remains.
3. The next step involves building up layers of whichever material you’ve chosen for your filling (see previous section) until it reaches an appropriate height/shape
4. Lastly, everything is smoothed out/polished/grinded into place so that it feels as natural as possible inside/outside

Disclaimer: we do not recommend trying this at home.

When Should You Get a Filling?

Many people avoid going to see their dentist because they think nothing could possibly be wrong; however, cavities can sneak up on us! Here are some common signs you may need a filling:
– Sharp pain when consuming hot/cold/ sweet drinks
– Pain when chewing food on one side (can signal degradation)
– Visible holes/chips/brown spots in teeth

But even if none of these symptoms apply directly to you, please please please don’t skip routine check-ups just because…life happens.

In Conclusion…

While fillings might seem scary or overwhelming at first glance (who wants needles and drills anywhere around their mouth?!), they’re actually a crucial step in maintaining our dental health. By keeping up with routine check-ups and proper hygiene practices, we can ensure that the need for fillings becomes far less frequent — which means we’ll have more time to enjoy sweet treats without worrying about the dentist’s wrath. Happy eating!

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