After a person is diagnosed with a cavity, several steps must be taken for treatment. First, the dentist will remove a portion of the tooth that is affected by the cavity. Then, the dentist will fill in the hole with a tooth filling. In addition to treating cavities, tooth fillings can be used to fix cracked teeth and fill gaps between teeth. Three options for Tooth Fillings in Salisbury NC are gold fillings, silver fillings, and tooth-colored composites.
Gold Fillings for Cavities
One type of tooth filling is made of gold. Gold can be a good option for a tooth filling because it is very strong and can withstand high chewing forces. It is also very durable, lasting 10-15 years. Some patients like the look of a gold filling. However, gold fillings are very expensive, making them a less-appealing choice for some patients. They also require multiple visits to the dentist to place.
Silver Fillings for Cavities
Another type of tooth filling is made of silver. Silver fillings have several advantages over gold fillings. For example, they are significantly less expensive than gold fillings and do not require multiple office visits to place. Other benefits of silver fillings include their durability, lasting 10-15 years, and their strength, holding up to the pressure of chewing. A disadvantage is that some people do not like the look of a filling that does not match the tooth. They can also create a discoloration in the tooth surrounding the filling.
Tooth-Colored Composites for Cavities
A third type of tooth filling is made of tooth-colored resin. This type of filling is popular because it can be prepared to match the tooth. In addition, a resin filling bonds directly to the tooth and can actually strengthen the tooth. Unlike gold and silver fillings, the composite resin can be used to fix cracks in a tooth and fill in gaps between teeth. On the downside, composite fillings are more expensive than silver ones and do not last as long.
Robert S. Ogden DDS PA can provide Tooth Fillings in Salisbury NC. In addition to tooth fillings, a variety of other services are offered, including preventative procedures, check-ups, root canals, and extractions. Pain-free technologies are available so that adults and children do not have to feel anxiety over any pain related to the procedure. All ages are welcome at the practice, and parents are welcome to accompany their children to the treatment room.