Good oral habits are vital for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Without proper oral care, bacteria can multiply in your mouth and cause serious oral infections like tooth decay and gum disease. You should not just consult your dentist when you have an issue that needs to be addressed. Prevention is better than cure, so we recommend visiting your dentist every six months to maintain oral health. At Advanced Dental Associates, our experienced dentists help treat and prevent oral complications with general dentistry treatments in San Antonio, TX.
Dental Fillings
Cavities are prevalent. A vast majority of people need at least one filling during their life. Cavities can still happen even if you take good care of your teeth. Moreover, when one does develop, treatment is needed as soon as possible. Advanced Dental Associates can provide therapy for cavities with fillings.
Why Do I Need a Filling?
A filling is meant to treat a cavity. A cavity occurs when decay destroys a part of your tooth. Without treatment, bacteria can get stuck inside the cavity. This can lead to more decay, causing the cavity to grow larger. This can compromise the tooth, leaving it susceptible to breaking or an infection.
Unfortunately, the cavity remains even if the decay is removed from the tooth. This hole can cause many problems. A filling is meant to fill the cavity left behind by decay. It is designed to restore the tooth, protecting it as well as the health of your mouth.
What Types of Fillings Are There?
The most common types of fillings are amalgam and composite resin. Amalgam is the most affordable. It is also one of the strongest. It is made from a mixture of different metals and is often recommended for treating cavities in back teeth. Amalgam fillings are also called silver fillings because of their color.
While strong, the color can cause aesthetic concerns. Composite resin fillings, made of plastic material, are metal free. They are also tooth-colored. Using a color guide, we can choose the right composite shade to perfectly match your natural tooth color. These fillings are not nearly as strong as amalgam, but they are ideal for front teeth.
These are not the only types of fillings. Some fillings are made of gold, ceramic, and glass ionomer. These fillings, like amalgam, are incredibly strong. However, they can be more expensive. Ceramic fillings are tooth-colored and stronger than composite. Glass ionomer fillings are a good option for children. They do not last very long, which is fine for baby teeth because these teeth fall out eventually anyway. In addition to treating a cavity, these fillings release fluoride, which helps to protect the tooth from new decay.
Are Fillings Permanent?
Fillings are meant to last a long time but are not necessarily permanent treatments. Over time, your filling could begin to wear out. When this happens, it will need to be replaced. If you notice cracking or wear around your filling, or if the filling itself has become damaged, you must schedule an appointment as soon as possible. If you do not promptly address a worn-out filling, it could lead to severe issues, including new decay and infections.
Is There an Alternative to a Filling?
Fillings are the most common treatment for cavities. They are effective in numerous cases. However, there are some situations in which they may not be the best solution. Inlays and onlays provide an indirect alternative for certain types of fillings. In cases of significant decay, a dental crown may be necessary.
General Dentistry in San Antonio, TX
Learn about the general dental treatments that we provide patients in our office:
Custom Mouthguard
If you have a habit of grinding or clenching your teeth or often indulge in athletic activities, your teeth may get broken, chipped, or cracked. Mouthguards or sports guards cushion the impact on your face as you play sports. They minimize the chance of broken teeth and injuries to the lips, face, tongue, or jaw.
Family Dentistry
The earlier children start having regular dental checkups, the better oral health they can enjoy. Routine checkups help prevent cavities and gum disease, which can result in pain, difficulty concentrating, and other medical issues.
Laser Dentistry
Laser dentistry is a popular treatment for tooth decay, gum disease, lesion removal, and teeth whitening. As technology advances, laser treatments are becoming more prevalent in the dentist’s office. Here at Advanced Dental Associates, we provide laser dentistry to ensure our patients have the best care provided.
The Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP) Protocol is a substitute for traditional periodontitis or gum disease surgery. It involves less pain and easier recovery. It also facilitates gum tissue revival, reattachment, and growth of new bone.
Root Canals
A root canal is a last-ditch effort to save a tooth from extraction. We may recommend a root canal if an infection has spread to the “pulpy” center of the tooth that contains nerve endings and other connective tissues. Once the infection has been removed, we fill the canals with a rubber-like material known as gutta-percha. A tooth that has received root canal treatment must typically be capped with a crown.
Sedation Dentistry
Dental sedation treatments ensure patient comfort and relaxation through dental procedures. Sedation can also benefit patients with dental anxiety or a fear of dental treatments or the dental office.
Tooth Extraction
There are two types of tooth extractions: simple and surgical. We perform a simple extraction on a tooth that has already erupted above the gumline. We perform a surgical extraction on a tooth that has become impacted or has yet to erupt, such as wisdom teeth. Extraction may be necessary to prevent the spread of infection and other complications.
Maintain Your Oral Health
Call Advanced Dental Associates for treatment at 210-361-6847. You can also request a dental appointment with us on our website.