Dental fillings, also known as dental restoration, are replacements of diseased tooth tissue, the filling supported by teeth that result from trauma or tooth loss. The replacement of tooth tissue involves applying synthetic tooth-like material over the surface of the missing teeth. Fillings also play a part in tooth restoration. They prevent the building of pockets and spaces through which bacteria may invade the adjacent teeth. Moreover, fillings also contribute to the management of dental sensitivity and may even help in the regeneration of lost tooth tissue.

Chewing tobacco is notorious for causing many oral and dental diseases. Gum disease, in particular, has been known to cause tooth sensitivity, which is the sensation of hot or cold on the chewing surface, which may cause pain during eating or other activities. Dentists Dalton GA can diagnose tooth sensitivity by performing a routine oral examination. When there is sensitivity to hot or cold chewing, there is likely to be damage to the roots of the teeth. This damage is manifested in the form of tooth decay or inflammation.

Dental fillings can be made of mercury, amalgam, silver fillings, or a combination of any of these materials. Mercury is no longer used in tooth-whitening, but some dentists still use mercury in certain fillings to minimize sensitivity. One problem with mercury is the accumulation of mercury-based residues on the teeth and gums, which may cause anemia and may recur after the treatment is completed. Some fillings made of mercury also contain small amounts of mercury-laced gold. Some gold fillings are so white that it is difficult to determine whether they contain mercury or gold; therefore, these fillings are unsuitable for patients with dental amalgam sensitivity.

Amalgam is the most commonly used material in tooth fillings and the most mercury-free option. However, amalgam has a high level of toxicity and may experience several symptoms after being exposed to the poison. Patients at high risk of developing complications from this kind of fillings should ask their dentist about the type of fillings they plan to use and whether they are taking care of their risk profile appropriately.

Gold is the least toxic filling material, although it is the most susceptible to contamination. Patients with decaying teeth or those who have had their cavities filled may experience gum or facial asymmetry complications because of gold consumption. In such cases, the dentist may suggest amalgam or gold tooth-conserving fillings. The dentist should take into consideration a patient’s dental health and sensitivity to nickel. Since gold is also a good conductor of heat, it may cause inflammation after the procedure has been performed. For patients with decayed teeth, the dentist should not suggest using gold for any filling.

Composite material like platinum is an excellent choice for filling cavities, especially if the tooth’s enamel is already worn down and very sensitive. This material has the same strength as gold but is less susceptible to corrosion and heat. However, while platinum is considered extremely durable, some dentist groups discourage its use in tooth fillings. This is because platinum is also a good conductor of heat and has the tendency to expand and contract during dental procedures.

For patients who need dentists to replace healthy teeth with crowns, dentists recommend gold-based or porcelain-based tooth-colored composite resins. These resins are more effective than gold-based fillings in the restoration of the damaged tooth. Although these fillings are a better fit for patients with decayed teeth, patients with sensitive gums may feel uncomfortable having them placed in their mouth. Some dentists would recommend the use of mercury-free fillings because mercury is a known carcinogen.

Patients should expect yellowish stains on fillings that are placed in the upper and/or lower jaw. This yellowish discoloration is caused by the action of hydrogen peroxide on the natural gel that surrounds the teeth. Hydrogen peroxide can be found in many cleaning products and most toothpaste. The color will gradually fade over time. To achieve a whiter appearance, it would be best to contact your dentist to remove the fillings periodically.