Portland Dental FillingYour teeth are supposed to last a lifetime, but sometimes you’ll still run into difficulties that require you to go through treatment of some sort. One of the most common issues that people face when it comes to their oral health is tooth decay. Even those who take meticulous care of their teeth might end up with a cavity, for example, which will need to be treated as quickly as possible in order to maintain the overall health of the tooth in question. We are lucky that today’s technological advancements have made it easier than ever to treat teeth that experience some sort of decay. Sometimes all it takes is a quick trip to the dentist for a filling, and you can move on with your life!

What is a filling?

A dental filling is material that is used to help restore parts of your teeth that have been affected by decay. Dentists quite literally use the filling material to “fill in” the areas in your tooth that have been decayed. There are different types of dental fillings, just there are different reasons you might need the filling to begin with.

What types of dental filling are there?

There are several different kinds of dental filling that might be used in your tooth. Amalgam fillings, metal fillings, and composite fillings, for example, tend to be the most common kind of filling you will encounter. Of those three, amalgam and composite fillings are by far the most widely used. Amalgam is the silver filling that you often see in back teeth that aren’t easily viewed. Because of its color, in other words, amalgam is often used in rear teeth that will not attract attention. Composite fillings, on the other hand, can be matched to tooth color and gives a natural look. This is the dental filling of choice for front teeth. Both amalgam and silver fillings are long lasting and can help keep your tooth healthy and strong for a long time. The main consideration when it comes to picking one over the other is usually appearance.

Why do I need a filling?

Sometimes our teeth experience decay. In order to maintain the overall health of the tooth in question, the decayed sections must be removed and the area left behind filled in. This helps prevent more decay from forming, and also serves to reinforce the tooth that is left behind. If you experience medium or small cavities, for example, you have probably already had a dental filling of some sort. Additionally, injury to the teeth that causes them to become chipped is another reason many individuals need fillings. This is especially true when the tooth in question is a front tooth that has been chipped. We can fill in the missing area with composite dental filling and help restore your smile to its natural state. If you are interested in learning more about dental fillings, or would like to schedule a visit, please contact us at (503) 546-9079 today!