Are Tooth Fillings Worth It?

Are Tooth Fillings Worth It?

Mar 01, 2022
Scores of people globally are suffering from tooth decay. In fact, approximately 2.3 billion people globally are affected by tooth caries. By far, dental caries is the most non-contagious disease in the world. Therefore, it will not come as a shock that every one out of four people you interact with might have dental cavities. So, take heart, you are not alone! Nevertheless, this doesn’t mean that you should let tooth decay run its course. It can harm your teeth and oral health in so many ways and lead to tooth loss, infections, etc. So, to reduce the effects of tooth decay, we offer dental fillings in NW Calgary. Our dentist in Calgary offers tooth fillings since the treatment ensures that your affected teeth are repaired.

Who Needs Tooth Fillings?

You could be wondering if you need to undergo the tooth filling process or not. You can look at the following indicators that might point out if you are the right candidate for the procedure:
  • You have a persistent toothache whenever you chew or bite down
  • There’s a change in your tooth color, especially if you have dark sections on your teeth
  • A fractured, cracked, or chipped tooth that has any ragged edges and is causing discomfort
  • You have tooth sensitivity
  • You have a cavity that you can feel or see
  • If your dental floss frays when you floss along a certain section of your tooth
Any of the above symptoms are usually an indicator that you need a tooth filling. But always bear in mind that our dentist will still recommend that you get dental fillings in NW Calgary even if you are not experiencing these symptoms. The reason is simple. You might have cavities even if you don’t have discomfort or pain.

Types of Tooth Fillings

The dental technology available today has made it possible for you to choose among the different types of fillings. Here are the types of fillings that you can choose from:
  • Porcelain Fillings
Ceramic or porcelain fillings are aesthetically pleasing and also durable. These tooth-colored fillings fit inconspicuously with the rest of your teeth. Plus, they are not porous as your teeth, so they are stain-resistant. But the only issue is that they might cost a bit more than most of the other fillings.
  • Gold Fillings
These are also another expensive type of filling. However, they are among the most durable fillings in the market. Even though they are made from metal, gum tissues tolerate them well.
  • Composite Fillings
These filings are created from resin or plastic. This is what makes it a pocket-friendly tooth filling. It is placed in the cavity while it is soft and hardens under blue light. The only issue with this tooth-colored filling is that they are not as sturdy as the others, so you might need to replace them after a few years.
  • Glass Ionomer Fillings
These filings are fashioned from acrylic and glass. They are a fantastic option for kids since their teeth are still developing. So their teeth will be protected from further decay since the filling releases fluoride. The only pitfall with them is that they are not that durable.
  • Amalgam (Silver) Fillings
These fillings have been around for quite some time, and they are very durable. They are also a pocket-friendly option. But they are not aesthetically pleasing, so some people don’t go for this option.

What Are the Benefits of Teeth Fillings?

Tooth fillings always do much more than just fill cavities. They can serve additional purposes, such as repairing broken or cracked teeth. Either way, here are some of the benefits of using tooth fillings:
  • Inhibits the Cavity from Growing
Our dentist near you will remove the decayed part of the tooth and then fill it using the desired tooth filling. This seals the cavity and stops the decay from spreading.
  • Enhances the Tooth Structure
Some of the materials used to create fillings can help improve the structure of your tooth. Instead of your tooth being hollowed out by the cavity, the tooth filling will provide much-needed support.
  • Modern Fillings Release Fluoride
Some fillings, such as glass ionomer fillings, have fluoride, which is an essential mineral that helps strengthen the teeth. It will even protect the tooth from further decay.
  • Improves Tooth Functionality
Tooth decay makes chewing difficult. However, when the cavity has been removed, and a filling is placed, you can resume using your teeth as usual. Contact our dentist in Calgary at Toothworks Calgary, and we would love to help you.