Are Tooth Fillings Harmful to My Health?

Cartoon stating that dental fillings are believed to be 13,000 years old.
Image by Authority Dental under CC 2.0

Toothaches or tooth pain can be a bother until you visit the dentist for a restorative procedure. If your ache or pain is caused by decay, then it’s likely that a tooth filling can quickly bring you relief. While tooth fillings aren’t always the answer to dental problems, they can help restore and maintain your health.

About Tooth Fillings

Tooth fillings, also known as dental fillings, are commonly used to treat cavities or decay in a tooth. To repair a cavity, our dentist works to remove the decayed tissue and then fills the space with filling material. There are several types of filling materials available to repair cavities. The type of filling will vary depending on the location and size of the filling required.

Causes of Tooth Decay

When decay begins, a small hole known as the cavity is formed. At this point, a tooth filling is the best solution to restore the tooth. Decay can be caused by:

  • Poor oral hygiene

  • Poor diet choices

  • Dry mouth

  • Avoiding dental visits

  • Delaying dental treatments

Tooth Fillings & Your Health

A popular choice for tooth fillings is composite resin, a compound of ceramic and plastic that mimics the shade and transparency of enamel. These types of fillings are known as tooth-colored fillings. Composite fillings have numerous benefits. They blend in seamlessly with the rest of your teeth, and less of your remaining tooth needs to be removed for good adhesion. So not only do the fillings look completely natural, but more of your natural tooth remains in place. Additionally, tooth-colored fillings contain no substances that can damage your oral or general health.

Tooth-Colored Fillings in Coeur d’Alene & Post Falls

If you experience toothaches or pain, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with our team. Delaying your visit can result in the need for a more costly and invasive treatment rather than a simple tooth filling. At Riverstone Dental Care, we offer tooth-colored, composite fillings to help restore your teeth! Contact us to schedule your visit.

CONTACT US

Riverstone Dental Care