A healthy smile is essential for overall well-being, and one way to ensure your teeth remain in top shape is by addressing issues such as decay or damage with dental fillings. Dream Smiles offers durable dental fillings designed to protect and restore your teeth. Here’s a closer look at how dental fillings can benefit your oral health and what you can expect during the process.
What Are Dental Fillings For?
Dental fillings are a restorative solution used to repair teeth that have been affected by decay or minor damage. Once the decay is removed from a tooth, the cavity is filled with a material designed to restore the tooth’s function and appearance. This helps prevent further decay and potential complications, ensuring that your smile remains healthy and vibrant.
How Are Dental Fillings Done?
First Appointment:
Your journey to a healthier smile begins with a consultation at Dream Smiles. During this visit, we perform a thorough check-up and cleaning. Digital X-rays are taken to identify any hidden decay that may not be visible to the naked eye. Based on these X-rays, our skilled dentist will recommend the most appropriate treatment plan to address your needs.
Second Appointment:
In the follow-up visit, our dentist will clean out the decay from the affected tooth and fill the cavity with composite resin. This material is colour-matched to your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless and aesthetically pleasing result. A special light is used to harden the resin, completing the restoration process.
Is Mercury Still Used in Dental Fillings?
While some dentists still use mercury-based fillings, Dream Smiles has chosen to exclusively use composite resin fillings. This decision is based on several considerations:
Healthier Option: Composite resin fillings do not contain mercury, which has been associated with various health concerns.
Aesthetic Advantage: Composite fillings blend in with the natural colour of your teeth, providing a more realistic result.
Less Tooth Structure Removal: Composite fillings require less removal of healthy tooth structure compared to mercury fillings.
Durability: Unlike mercury fillings, composite resins do not expand or contract with temperature changes, reducing the risk of cracks in your teeth.
How Long Do Tooth Fillings Last?
Composite resin fillings are known for their durability, typically lasting between 5 and 7 years. However, the longevity of your fillings can be influenced by your oral hygiene practices and overall dental care. Regular check-ups and good oral hygiene can help maximise the lifespan of your dental fillings.
Keep Your Teeth Healthy with Dental Fillings from Dream Smiles
Tooth decay often occurs without noticeable symptoms, making regular dental visits crucial. If you experience sensitivity to hot or cold foods, discomfort while chewing, or discoloured gums, these may be signs of underlying issues. At Dream Smiles, we are dedicated to helping you maintain a healthy smile with our professional dental filling services.
For more information on dental fillings and to schedule your appointment, contact Dream Smiles today. Our team is here to provide you with high-quality care and ensure that your teeth remain protected and well-maintained.