If you experience mild pain when you’re eating or chewing, slight sensitivity to hot or cold, or perhaps you’ve noticed dark spots on your teeth, you may have tooth decay. This occurs when plaque and bacteria eat away at your tooth enamel over time. It’s important to have a tooth filling in Mt. Holly, NJ in order to avoid further pain or damage to your tooth. Your Mt. Holly dentist can help!
What is a Tooth Filling?
Fillings are used to restore your tooth structure after the decay has been removed. Your dentist will first clean and remove the decay from your tooth, which leaves an open space or cavity. They will then fill your cavity with a tooth colored material called composite resin. This material is designed to bond with your tooth, building it back up and strengthening it again. Because it’s tooth colored, it also completes your smile naturally so no one will ever know it’s there.
How to Care for Your Filling
Composite fillings are very durable and should last many years. There are, however some things you can do to ensure the long life of your filling. Avoiding gum and other sticky foods like gummy candy and Carmel can protect your filling from being pulled out. It’s also good to avoid sugar to prevent further decay. Foods that are very hard, such as peanut brittle or hard toffees could also facture your tooth and filling.
If you clench or grind your teeth at night, you may want to speak with your dentist about a night guard to protect your teeth from wear and your fillings from cracking. Your jaw can apply enormous amounts of pressure to your teeth at night, without you even being aware of it. Waking up with headaches may be a telltale sign of clenching and grinding, also have your dentist check for excessive wear to your teeth.
Regular dental check ups are a great way to ensure the health of your teeth and also your restorations. Fillings don’t last forever, especially the metal or amalgam fillings, which are highly susceptible to the ever-changing temperatures in your mouth. Sometimes these restorations will need to be replaced. Your Mt. Holly dentist can make you aware of any repairs that need to be done at your regular cleaning and check up.
At Mt. Holly Family Dentistry, Dr. William Greenberg, Dr. Julie Ko-Kim, Dr. Adam Cygler, and Dr. Vrishali Govitrika are constantly monitoring your oral health at your regular dental appointments. We offer the highest quality fillings designed to restore your smile and keep it looking natural. We’re your partners in optimum dental health and we’re happy to discuss cosmetic dentistry and any other dental services you might need. Contact us today to learn more.