Even if you’ve never had a filling, you may recognize what one is and the importance of using one to treat a cavity. Since tooth decay is the most common dental health concern, you may know a friend or family member who has had a filling placed. Nevertheless, the more you know about modern tooth fillings, the better prepared you’ll be to save your tooth as soon as your dentist notices your cavity. Today, we take a look at a few facts about how modern fillings came to be, and why they remain one of the most reliable restorative dentistry options today.
About the Versatile Restorations
- A tooth filling is designed to do exactly what it name suggests—fill a cavity (or hole) in your tooth, which is caused by tooth decay. The filling supports your weakened tooth structure and stops the cavity from growing; without it, the decay will continue to spread unabated.
- In recent history, the most common material for crafting tooth fillings was a durable mixture, or amalgam, of trace metals, including silver. Metal fillings persisted as the most popular fillings for over a century, until tooth-colored filling materials such as composite resin became more popular.
- The beauty of a tooth-colored filling is that it not only restores your cavity-stricken tooth, but also helps it maintain its healthy, blemish-free appearance. The resin’s color is matched to the unique color and shade of your teeth, ensuring that your filling remains undetectable when you eat, speak, and smile.
Find Out How a Filling Can Help You
If you have a cavity, then speak with your dentist about getting a filling as soon as possible to stop it from growing worse. To learn more, or to schedule a consultation, call Woodland Hills Dental Arts in Woodland Hills, CA today at 818-347-5124.