Our teeth have 3 different layers. The outer layer is enamel, which protects the tooth. The second layer is dentin, and has some nerves. The inner most layer is dental pulp, which contains blood vessels and nerves. Bacteria adheres to plaque on the teeth due to improper brushing resulting in dissolving that outer enamel layer. This causes dental cavities. When the dental cavities are still in the enamel they do not cause any pain. Once the cavity extends to the second layer of the tooth and to the nerves there is pain and discomfort, as well as hot and cold sensitivity.
At your regular 6 month dental visit your general dentist will take cavity detecting dental x-rays and will prescribe fillings as needed. It is very important to have the dental fillings placed as soon as possible. This helps prevent the progression of dental cavities and the necessity for more expensive root canal treatment or dental extraction.
Silver amalgam dental fillings are a choice for taking care of your cavities. The silver amalgam dental filling material has been in use for over 100 years and is very stable. However, with the recent concern of heavy metal toxicity and mercury leakage there is a lot of controversy associated with these kind of restorations. Most family dentists and dental patients are shying away from silver amalgam dental fillings.
Gold is an excellent material for dental fillings. Most dental insurance companies do not offer benefits for gold dental fillings and sometimes it is cost prohibitive for patients. Gold is very stable and bacteriostatic so it is a very biologically compatible dental filling material.
Composite dental fillings also called white dental fillings are popular material for dental fillings. These materials are very aesthetic and give excellent results. Composite dental fillings have come a long way since their inception and are a treatment of choice for small to moderately sized dental cavities.
If you do not have dental insurance to care of your dental cavities Dr. Sirisha Bhandaru of Carrollton Smiles offers a 15% discount on restorative services as a part of the Carrollton Smiles Dental Advantage Program. This will help allow you to have continuity of care at our office so that your dental cavities do not progress and become more expensive.
Call Carrollton Smiles for a consultation at (972) 245-3455 or book an online appointment at carrollton-smiles.com.
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If you are having a dental emergency, please contact us and schedule a consultation.
