A: Composite fillings are materials that we use to restore a tooth to its normal color, shape, and function. Traditionally, when you had a cavity, we would take out that cavity and fill it back in with a silver filling. A lot of patients don’t like that, so now we have composite fillings. They are resin, plastic-like material that mimic and restore the tooth to its normal shape and color.
The Fear of Getting Fillings In San Antonio
If you’re like most people, looking for a dentist for fillings in San Antonio is not the highlight of your day. Some patients are even so afraid of getting fillings that they’ll suffer through the pain of a cavity that continues to spread. Maybe it’s the fear that getting fillings in San Antonio will be painful, or maybe it’s the drill. Whatever the reason, it’s common enough that nearly 80% of Americans age 18-55 have a phobia about dentists. That being said, do you know what actually can be truly painful?
Having to undergo a tooth extraction due to untreated cavities.
That fear of tooth extraction and the pain that comes with that usually forces people’s hand. They end up making an appointment to get fillings in San Antonio with Dr. E. Here’s the downside to delaying treatment until the last minute though:
You can cause more damage and pain for yourself the longer you let your cavities go untreated.
You must face the facts that cavities happen to many people, it’s just a fact of life you may have to deal with. Often, it’s due to bad dental hygiene, but then many cases it boils down to genetics, soft teeth, weak immune system, etc. Regardless, once you notice a cavity you need to get it filled right away. Here’s the rub for those of you fearing the dentist—to discover cavities in time, you need to see a dentist regularly.
Honestly, which choice would you rather make? Having to go to the dentist twice a year or having to have a painful tooth extraction? We’re pretty sure you’ll take the first option—most would. Thankfully, a cavity doesn’t mean automatic extraction—especially if caught early.
Fillings In San Antonio Are An Easy Procedure
As mentioned most people avoid the dentist because they’re afraid the dentist will find cavities. This is irrational because finding cavities early usually means a very easy fix—filling them. In reality, the procedure of getting a filling is painless for most. It may feel a bit awkward, but even then we can cancel out any discomfort with a local anesthetic. Whether you just want numbing Novocaine or the stronger shot form—the pain will be non-existent. In fact, you won’t feel a thing other than if you choose the shot—it’s an extremely thin needle. We’ve had the biggest trypanophobics (fear of shots) come in and not even feel the shot.
Once the anxiety has died down with the help of some nitrous gas, the actual procedure takes at most, 30 minutes. That should indicate to you just how simple getting a filling is. Before you can even get the full effect of the nitrous, Dr. E has removed the decayed tooth matter, filled the cavity, and polished it smooth.
Fillings Are A Breeze With Dr. E
Yes, it really is that easy—no recovery, no swollen gums, no throbbing pain—maybe just a little comical numbness. We’ve had patients come into our office kicking and screaming like trying to give a cat a bath. However, by the time they’re done they faced their fear and realize—the dentist is no big deal. In fact, they often end up scheduling a follow-up visit before they leave.
That follow-up is crucial. While fillings are a long-term solution, without regular dental checkups and due to external forces—they might not last forever. Fillings in San Antonio don’t have a specific lifespan, how long they last can depend on many factors. What you eat with fillings, your commitment to oral care and genetics can all potentially impact a filling’s life. It also depends on what material your filling is made of.
Types Of Filling Materials
While most fillings these days are composite, there are a few types of alternate materials available for fillings. A filling is self-explanatory as to what it is—a substance used to fill a cavity to prevent additional tooth decay. You see, cavities develop slowly in most cases and as it gets left untreated, it gets deeper and closer to the root. For this reason, it is crucial to find cavities early on—the more severe the cavity, the more painful it is. Furthermore, it makes the cavity potentially impossible or difficult to fix if it gets too deep.
The material most people go with as mentioned is composites. However, the material you and your dentist decide on will be based on your budget, cavity size, and location.
Metallic Fillings
Amalgam fillings are a combination of medical-grade metals that usually include silver and other economical metals. As these are pretty wear-resistant they are a good choice for smaller budgets and acceptable for molar cavities. Amalgam fillings can also be used for cavities below the gum line since they can be hard to keep dry. However, silver sticks out like a sore thumb and some people are allergic to the metals used. This is the least expensive option for fillings, but consider the cons of metallic fillings carefully.
Gold fillings are also referred to as inlays. These fillings are lab-created using molds of your tooth to create a customized fit. They are adhered using dental cement and are very durable, but also costs the most of all filling options.
Porcelain fillings are similar to gold in that they are created in a lab using dental molds as well. While gold is more durable, porcelain isn’t far behind and blends in with your teeth perfectly and is stain resistant. As expected, porcelain is less expensive than gold, but not by a lot.
Composite fillings comprise about 90% of fillings in San Antonio given the balance of value and cosmetic appeal. They are not as durable as porcelain or gold but they are at the opposite end of the cost spectrum. They can also be matched to the color of your teeth and it should be noted that they can also stain—so be careful. Composites can still have quite a long lifespan despite costing not much more than amalgam fillings.
How Long Do Fillings Last?
It’s no secret, fillings will eventually wear out—no matter what material they’re made out of. That being said, many variables can affect how long fillings will last. We can only estimate that with proper dental care and no underlying conditions—a lifespan of at least a decade is realistic.
The Best Fillings In San Antonio Come From JH Emergency Dental
Getting the most life out of fillings no matter the material relies on you maintaining proper dental care and caution. However, the best way to ensure success with your fillings and a long lifespan is to start with choosing the best dentist. Dr. E is a specialist that is an absolute dental nerd.
He dives into the treatment of his patients wholeheartedly and specializes in emergency care. He will make sure he helps you get the most life out of your fillings and makes it as hassle-free as possible.
Contact us today to schedule your appointment, as finding cavities early and treating them is crucial to avoiding extraction. We’re even open after hours until 9 pm every day except Wednesday (we give our team a rest.) At JH Emergency Dental, we are here for you when emergencies happen—when you least expect it.
