How Fillings Can Fill the Holes in Your Self-Confidence
Silver-colored fillings, also known as amalgam fillings is a material used to fill in tooth cavities. They contain mercury, which is a toxic substance. Thus a majority of people have raised concerns about the use of this material in dental procedures. They presume these fillings are causing certain types of diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, autism, and multiple sclerosis.
Don’t Panic
However, the American Dental Association (ADA) has, in fact, stated that there’s no substantial, scientific evidence that dental fillings pose any risks to the public. The causes of the diseases mentioned above still, to this day, are not known. Moreover, there is no evidence to back up claims that having amalgam fillings removed will help in curing any other conditions a person has.
Amalgams do have mercury. However, as a dental filling material, it is combined with other metals such as tin, copper, silver, and even small amounts of palladium, indium, and zinc. This blend of metals forms a stable and robust compound that have been fixing decayed teeth for more than a century.
Today’s dental technology has paved the way for tooth-colored substances to restore and fix teeth. Thus, amalgams are not used as much. With that being said, amalgams are not always the best filling option. Still, amalgams are the more affordable dental filling choice. They are also more durable and holds up better, especially if your teeth go through heavy wear and pressure from chewing.
Care for Your Fillings
The best advice will come from your dentist. And the general rules are regular visits for cleanings, brushing your teeth the correct way twice a day, flossing and using antibacterial mouthwash at least once a day. If you have an existing filling that is cracked or doesn’t fit tightly against the tooth, a dental X-ray is needed to examine further what needs to be done. Fillings that are loose will result in saliva and food particles to permeate the space between them and the teeth. This can cause decay. If you feel extreme sensitivity in any of your teeth, if you see a fracture or a piece missing, don’t delay an appointment with your dentist. Call right away so a dental professional can assess your situation.
Pain and Sensitivity
Sensitivity following a dental amalgam filling procedure is not rare. Pressure, air, certain types of food, or even temperature are the usual causes of tooth sensitivity. Usually, you just let the discomfort subside. Nevertheless, you wouldn’t need any pain reliever medications. It will immensely help you if you avoid the items causing sensitivities. If the sensitivity has not gone away for more than four weeks or if your tooth is extremely sensitive, you may be advised to use a desensitizing toothpaste, or in severe cases, the possibility of a root canal procedure may be brought up.
Additionally, you can experience pain around the fillings. Fillings that aren’t fit properly will make it painful for you to bite. Go back to your dentist to have the filling reformed. If the pain is brought upon when your teeth touch, it’s possible that that the touching of the different metals is the cause. This type of pain should go away over time.
In some cases the decay is deep and too close to the pulp, this is one of the most common roots of a toothache. This type of pain means the tissue is not healthy anymore. A root canal therapy may resolve this problem.
On the other hand, referred pain is pain or sensitivity in non-filled teeth. This kind of pain means there is nothing wrong with the non-filled tooth. The filled tooth is just transferring pain signals to the other teeth. This discomfort should go away on its own in a week or two.
Get Your Confidence Back
Having a bright and healthy smile is vital to gaining self-confidence. If cavities and tooth decay are causing to have holes in your self-esteem and confidence, rebuild them with the right dental solution that matches your situation. Whether it’s getting composite or dental amalgam fillings, veneers, or other dental procedures, don’t let oral issues hold you back in life.