Hey everyone! Welcome back to the Alpenglow Dental blog. We hope you are having a great day. “Prevention is better than cure” as they say. But, as we all know, sometimes life does not go as we plan it to. Sometimes, in spite of brushing and flossing and avoiding sweets (we know, we know, life without desserts is not fun) the cavities still develop.

We completely understand that having a cavity filled can be an anxiety-inducing and stressful experience for some people. That is why, today, in our blog post, we are going to give you all the information you need to know about cavity fillings – from what materials can be used to do the procedure, to what you can expect when you come to our practice for a filling. So, whether you are here because your Google search landed you on this page, or you are a faithful subscriber of our website and blogs, we invite you to keep on reading to learn all about cavity fillings with us.

Introduction To Cavity Fillings And Their Importance

A cavity filling is a dental procedure that involves drilling a tooth cavity to remove any plaque or tartar buildup, as well as to prevent further decay. Cavity fillings are important because they help protect your teeth from further damage. They can also be used to treat cavities caused by decay and are one of the most common treatments used in dentistry today. 

Cavity fillings typically use one of two materials: composite resin or amalgam. The material used for the filling will depend on the size of the cavity and where it is located in your mouth. If you’re wondering what cavity fillings are all about and why they’re so important, then keep reading!

Explanation Of Different Types Of Materials Used For Fillings

dental fillings salt lake city

A cavity filling is one of the most common dental procedures that we do as dentists. However, there are different types of materials that can be used for this treatment. There are a few key differences between these types of fillings, including how they are made and how long they will last. 

In this blog post, we’ll go over some of the most popular options for cavity fillings so that you can choose which one is right for your needs. Amalgam fillings are one of the most common types of fillings and have been around for over a century. This type of material is made up of mercury and other metals like silver or copper. Amalgam fillings are very durable and long-lasting, but they can also cause allergic reactions in some people and should not be used if you are allergic to any of its components. 

Another popular option for cavity fillings is composite resin, which is often used when cosmetic reasons are a factor in your treatment decision. Composite resin has been around since the 1960s and is typically made with some kind of plastic compound that has been colored with pigments or dyes to match your natural tooth color.

Pros And Cons Of Each Material

Cavity fillings are an important part of dental care, but with so many materials to choose from it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each material so that you can make an informed decision on which one is best for your specific needs. Amalgam has been used for over a century as a dental filling material because it is both durable and affordable. It also comes in silver or gold colors that blend in well with natural teeth. The downside is that this type of material contains mercury which may have harmful side effects if not disposed of properly. 

Porcelain fillings are also long-lasting and come in various shades that closely match natural tooth colors like white, grey or brown, however, this type of material may crack more easily than others if not handled with care. Composite resins are another popular option for tooth fillings; these materials are known to be tooth-colored, strong and last for many years without needing replacement. However, this type of material cannot match the strength or durability of porcelain or metal fillings like gold or silver alloy which can last much longer than composite resins in your mouth without needing replacement.

Step-By-Step Guide To Getting A Cavity Filling

You are probably wondering how to get a cavity filling. Don’t worry, it’s not as bad as you may think. In fact, if you follow our simple guide below on the steps of getting a cavity filled in by your dentist in just minutes! 

1) First of all before we begin any procedure here in the office we always recommend coming in with food (or at least something light) on your stomach as we use local anesthesia which will help ease any discomfort during treatment.

2) Second make sure someone is there with you if you will be heavily sedated through nitrous oxide or another similar sedative agent that puts people into deeper stages of relaxation or unconsciousness than most people are used to. 

3) Third once you’re all settled into your chair we’ll review what needs doing today and then discuss with you any questions before beginning the actual procedure of filling any cavities present on your teeth. Fourth our dentists will carefully numb up the area around each tooth that needs work so there won’t be any feeling during treatment time. Fifth they’ll gently remove decay from these specific areas by scraping away at it with small tools until only healthy enamel remains; this step is called drilling out a cavity!

Tips For Preparing Before The Procedure

In order to reduce the stress and anxiety, it’s important to prepare for it as much as possible. For starters, make sure that you have all of the materials that you need ahead of time. This includes any documents and forms which may be required by your provider or insurance company. Additionally, researching what to expect during and after treatment will help ease any anxiety.

 It’s also a good idea to plan out transportation so that getting home after surgery doesn’t become an additional source of worry. Last but not least – make sure to eat something beforehand; although local anesthesia will be used, heavy sedation isn’t always necessary during these types of procedures.

What To Expect During The Procedure

Before the procedure, it’s important to be aware of what you should expect during the process. It can help to know ahead of time that, although local anesthesia will be used, you may not necessarily be heavily sedated during your treatment.

 If this is your first time going in for a medical procedure of this kind and severity, it would be wise to do some research beforehand so that there are no surprises on the day of your appointment. However, regardless of whether or not this is your first time having this done, don’t forget one final but crucial step in preparation – eat something!

Importance Of Getting Cavities Filled And Maintaining Good Oral Health

regular dental exams salt lake city

There are many different ways to maintain good oral health. Brushing and flossing daily is a great place to start, but it is also important to visit the dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. Additionally, it is important to have cavities filled as soon as they are discovered so that they do not get worse. If you have any questions about oral hygiene or cavity treatment, please consult with your dentist. Oral health is important for overall well-being and should not be neglected. 

Maintaining good oral hygiene and regularly visiting the dentist can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Both tooth decay and gum disease are linked to serious health problems. You can take care of your teeth at home by doing the following:

• Brushing twice daily
• Flossing between meals
• Using mouthwash or fluoride treatments (if recommended by your dentist)
• Avoiding sugary snacks and drinks which contribute to tooth decay

Alpenglow Dental Can Help!

In conclusion, when it comes to dental fillings, there are a lot of factors to consider. Weighing the pros and cons of each material is important to finding the right one for you. We also recommend taking some time to mentally and physically prepare yourself before the procedure, as well as following aftercare instructions carefully. 

With that said, we at Alpenglow Dental can help make the process as easy as possible for you. We’ll guide you through every step of the way and ensure that your experience is comfortable and stress-free. Don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment today at (801) 883-9177 so we can get started on restoring your healthy smile! Thank you for reading our blog post on cavity fillings. We hope you found it informative and helpful. Stay tuned for more dental tips and tricks from Alpenglow Dental!