Dental Fillings An Overview
Tooth decay is the leading cause of tooth loss in patients. A prevalent oral disease, most adults will experience some degree of tooth decay in their lives. Tooth decay is a progressive disease and can create more complex dental concerns when left untreated. Early detection allows for conservative dental treatments such as dental fillings. Our dentist in Tulsa, OK, provides dental fillings to patients of all ages.
Bacteria builds and produces an acidic by-product, this acid is what causes the enamel to erode. Once the structure of the tooth has been compromised, the tooth becomes susceptible to infection and further damage. Biannual dental check-ups allow Dr. Henrich to detect decay in the earliest stages of development preventing further damage to the tooth, gums or bone.
Dental fillings can also be used to treat minor cosmetic dental concerns. For examples, fillings are typically used to address these dental concerns:
- Chipped Teeth
- Cracked Teeth
- Gaps Between Teeth
- Tooth Damage
- Tooth Decay
Using a dental filling to treat a cosmetic or general concern can help prevent it from developing into a more advanced problem later on. If you want to keep your teeth and gums in good shape for the whole of your life, it’s going to require some dedicated dental care. However, more and more research is starting to show how the health of your mouth can actually impact your overall health, so you have even more reasons to keep up your daily dental routines.
Your oral health can provide some insight into the rest of your body. In fact, one study found that people with gum disease were 40% more likely to have a chronic condition on top of it.
There are over 500 species of bacteria setting up shop in your mouth right now. Together, they can form plaque, which can build up on your teeth and gum lines and cause gingivitis and periodontitis. If these bacteria get into your bloodstream, they can cause infections and inflammations in other parts of the body.
If these infections occur, it could lead to:
- Endocarditis
- Cardiovascular disease
- Premature births
- Diabetes
As it turns out, the condition of your mouth could also indicate that you already have some other problems. For example, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and osteoporosis could have an impact on the health of your mouth.
Brush and floss daily, eat healthy foods, and get regular checkups to keep your teeth and gums in good shape. In return, you may have a positive impact on your overall wellbeing.
Choosing White Dental Fillings
In many cases, dentists use composite resin dental fillings to restore your smile. White dental fillings are color matched to blend with your existing teeth, giving you a more natural solution to your dental needs. They offer a lasting, durable solution to tooth decay and damage. Dr. Henrich will work with you to determine the best type of filling for your smile. If you would like to explore your options, call (918) 262-4731 or request an appointment online.