1. Fill Dental Cavities
One of the most common repairs done during dental work is filling the holes created by cavities. Today's options for fillings include dental amalgams, resin or glass ionomers, resin composites and fabricated fillings made from base metal alloys, ceramics or composites. Ceramic and composite fillings provide white fillings or tooth-colored fillings so it doesn't look like your mouth is full of metal. When considering the different fillings, your doctor looks at factors such as the amount of pressure put on the tooth when you chew, your overall dental health and the location of the filling.
2. Metal Filling Myths
The least expensive filling option and the most commonly used material is amalgam, which blends metallic elements such as mercury, silver, copper or tin. Some people believe metal fillings expand during cold weather and shrink during warm months, making it easier for your teeth to crack. While you may experience mild sensitivity to hot or cold foods right after you get the filling, research does not indicate metal fillings crack teeth. Other people believe the mercury in metal fillings creates medical problems and opt to replace these fillings with other types.
3. Opt for White Fillings
Composite fillings look like your teeth. While this may sound like the best possible solution for filling a cavity, food can stain or discolor these fillings. The added expense of keeping your teeth white may discourage you from choosing this option. On the bright side, dentists often don't have dig out as much of your tooth when they use composite fillings. Ionomoers also provide a tooth-colored filling. This material cracks under stress, but works well along the root area and between the teeth.
4. Replace Missing Sections of Teeth
Sometimes tooth decay destroys the majority of your tooth, making it impossible to fill it. Your dentist may then use porcelain to form a cap, crown, overlay or inlay for the tooth. This dental work requires at least two visits to the dentist before completion. In the first visit, the dentist makes a mold, which forms the replacement part. Porcelain fillings may cause other teeth to wear faster if the porcelain becomes rough.
5. Improve Your Smile
People with metal fillings often experience discomfort or feel embarrassed over the sight of all that metal filling their mouth. Most insurance companies that cover fillings will pay their percentage regardless of the material used, so opt for tooth-colored. While most insurance companies believe that replacement fillings fall into the uncovered area of cosmetic improvement, some will pay to replace amalgam fillings with other materials. If your filling cracks or the dentist finds a medical reason for replacement, he can submit a request for approval to your insurance company.
