If you have a broken filling it is important that you visit your dentist to get it taken care of. If you do not, you could lose the tooth. Below are some symptoms you will have if you do break a filling, along with the different types of filling materials that ae available.
Signs of a Broken Filling
One of the main symptoms of a broken filling is a bad toothache. The ache will likely be constant and throb much like a headache. You may at times have a very sharp pain in this area. Taking over the counter pain medications will usually not help with this type of pain. This pain is because when the filling falls out or breaks the nerves in the tooth are exposed.
You will also feel sensitivity in the tooth, such as pain if you drink something cold or hot. This is also due to the exposed nerves. If you feel the tooth with your tongue you will feel a hole or part hole if only part of your filling broke off.
Types of Filling Material
There are different types of filling materials available to fill your tooth. One type of material is known as amalgam. This material is made with a mixture of mercury, copper, zinc, and silver. This material is strong and durable and is likely the least expensive option for you. Amalgam is used only for back teeth because the material cannot match the color of your natural teeth.
Another type of filling is composite resin, which is made of fine glass particles and plastic mixed together. This material can be used either in the front or back teeth. When the dentist places the filling in your tooth, they will use a special light beam to harden the material. The materials can be made to match your other natural teeth, so the filling is not noticeable.
Glass ionomer is another type of filling and is made of a special type of glass and acrylic. For a filling, the doctor places the material in the tooth and hardens it with a special light beam. The glass ionomer will match your natural teeth so can be used for both front and back teeth.
Your dentist can help you choose the type of filling that would work best for your tooth.
Talk with your dentist about dental fillings and they can give you much more information about them. You can also visit websites like http://www.treasuredsmilesdentistry.com.
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