How to Improve Your Tooth Filling’s Chance of Success

For people who develop cavities, which are caused by progressive tooth decay, the most frequently successful treatment option is to fill the cavity with biocompatible material. Often referred to as a tooth-colored filling, the lifelike restoration can give your tooth its strength and integrity back after the tooth decay has been removed from the cavity. Once the filling is placed, your tooth’s long-term health will rely on its continued success at restoring and protecting the tooth, and you can improve your tooth filling’s chance of success with these few tips.

Receive the filling as soon as possible

Tooth decay is progressive, which means it becomes more severe and causes your cavity to grow larger the longer it’s allowed to remain in your tooth. For optimal results, the most important thing to remember is to treat your cavity as soon as possible. You may notice your tooth becoming sensitive or starting to ache, or your dentist might notice early signs of cavity development before they become noticeable to you. Once you know you have a cavity, treating it as soon as possible will be essential to preserving the rest of your tooth.

Choose a biocompatible, tooth-colored filling material

These days, patients with cavities often have a choice in the type of tooth filling they receive. For example, traditional dental fillings are crafted from a mixture of metals, known as metal amalgam. However, more patients today choose tooth-colored fillings that don’t contain metal, and are crafted from a biocompatible resin made of finely ground acrylic and quartz-like particles. The appearance of the composite resin can be customized to match the unique color and shade of your tooth, and the resin itself can be more securely bonded to the tooth structure inside of the cavity.

Take good care of your teeth and restoration

The quality of your restoration and dental filling material play big roles in your treatment’s success, but long-term it depends more on how well you care for your smile afterward. Tooth decay is caused by an excessive buildup of oral bacteria on the surfaces of your teeth, which leads to the erosion of their enamel and main tooth structure. Preventing this from occurring again requires keeping up with excellent dental hygiene practices, including brushing your teeth twice and flossing at least once every day.

Learn about the success of tooth-colored fillings

Tooth-colored fillings are highly successful at restoring teeth that experience cavities, and doing so in a way that better preserves the tooth’s long-term health and integrity. To learn more, call our Cleveland Family Dentistry office in Cleveland, TX, today at (281) 592-1234.