Dental fillings are crucial to preserving the health and integrity of teeth. Though they're durable and long-lasting, it's worth noting that some special care can help to maintain their effectiveness and extend their longevity.
What Are Dental Fillings and When Are They Necessary?
Dental fillings are restorations in which a quick-drying cement is applied to teeth whose structure is compromised by cavities, decay, or minor fractures. Two commonly used materials are amalgam (a mixture of metals) and tooth-colored composite resin.
Fillings are crucial to preserving a person’s oral health and overall well-being because they restore function and aesthetics, prevent the progression of decay, and boost a tooth's biting and chewing functions.
Special Care for Dental Fillings
While dental fillings are resilient, they do benefit from specific care to ensure their longevity. Here are a few straightforward steps you can take to ensure the longevity of your dental fillings:
- Maintain a strong at-home oral hygiene routine, including daily brushing and flossing.
- Schedule regular dental exams so that your dentist can monitor your fillings and address any issues promptly.
- Avoid especially hard or sticky foods.
- Refrain from habits like biting on pens or your fingernails or using your teeth as tools.
- If you play contact sports or grind your teeth while sleeping, wear a mouthguard to limit wear and tear.
Dental Fillings in Gretna, LA
If you’re in the Gretna area and want to ensure that you receive top-quality care before, during, and after a dental filling procedure, contact dentist Dr. Russell Schafer and NOLA Dentures and General Dentistry team to schedule an appointment!