Dentists have restored decayed teeth with dental fillings for decades. While materials have changed, the reasons for these reliable restorations remain the same. At Ajax Dental Centre in Ajax, ON, our professional team uses fillings to improve oral health and extend smile longevity. Here are the details from Dr. Jafarpour, Dr. Kwong, and Dr. Elhaddad.
Tooth decay persists
Today's preventive dental care is better than ever. Our patients who brush and floss faithfully at home, see their dentist in our Ajax, ON, office semi-annually, and eat a nutritious, low-carb diet, experience far less decay and gum disease than even a generation ago.
Still, tooth decay remains a problem. The American Dental Association (ADA) explains that 91 percent of adults over the age of 20 in the United States have had at least one dental cavity.
How we help smiles
At Ajax Dental Centre in Ajax, ON, our dentists routinely check for gum disease, oral cancer, and tooth decay. That's why your six-month cleanings and exams are so vital.
If the doctor does discover decay, he or she has several options to restore it. Much depends on the size and location of the cavity. Decay often occurs in pitted, grooved chewing surfaces, at the gum line and interdental spaces--which easily collect plaque and tartar--and around the margins of old fillings and restorations, such as crowns.
If you develop a cavity here's what to expect:
- Gentle injection of a local anesthetic to numb the tooth.
- Removal of the damaged tooth structure with a drill and other instruments.
- Use of composite resin, porcelain, or glass ionomer to fill the prepared site.
- The ability to use your restored tooth right away when your procedure is over
A word about materials
Your dentist will choose the proper material for your unique situation. Tooth-colored fillings are totally unnoticeable, making them superior to old-style metal fillings.
For instance, composite resin fills decay with minimal enamel removal. Naturally-colored and flexible, the resins bond directly to your tooth. It looks and behaves just like real tooth enamel and lasts for years.
Glass ionomer is an innovative material used in between teeth, on decayed tooth roots, and on non-chewing surfaces near the gum line. It contains translucent glass for excellent aesthetic appeal and gradual-release fluoride for protection against decay.
Finally, porcelain restores larger cavities. Also known as inlays, onlays or partial crowns, these fillings bond to molars--either between cusps or to replace them.
Just like new
Modern dental fillings are remarkable, and you can be confident in their durability. If you suspect you need a filling, please contact your dentist at Ajax Dental Centre for an appointment. Dr. Saeid Jafarpour, Dr. Kevin Kwong, and Dr. Azza Elhaddad enjoy their patients and the privilege they have in serving their oral health needs. Phone their Ajax, ON, office at (905) 426-8304.