4 Myths About Dental Restorations

4 Myths About Dental Restorations from Highlands Family Dentistry in Dallas, TXDental restorations offer ways to remove damaged tooth enamel, halt further decay, and restore the function of damaged or lost teeth. However, some mistaken beliefs prevent people from getting necessary care for oral health. Understand how to separate fact from fiction to make better choices for your dental care.

Common misapprehensions about dental restorations

Learn the truth behind the following four myths about these procedures.

1. Brushing and flossing will fix a cavity.

Some people erroneously believe that brushing and flossing their teeth is enough to keep them healthy. Many even think that doing so will cause cavities to disappear on their own. As a result, they put off going to see a dentist until they have a toothache, not realizing that they could have prevented the pain from occurring with a simple restoration.

The truth is that no amount of brushing and flossing can reverse cavities. The decay only becomes worse as it eventually extends into a tooth’s nerves. Regular checkups and dental restorations can help prevent toothaches.

2. Filling materials are toxic.

Another common myth is that the materials used to fill cavities are toxic. Some even claim that they are responsible for chronic conditions, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Some people believe this myth has gone so far as to pay thousands of dollars to have a dentist remove their existing fillings.

According to the American Dental Association, there is no scientific evidence linking serious diseases with dental restorations in a person’s mouth. In addition, the FDA has approved various materials as safe for dentists to use, including porcelain, composite resin, amalgams, plastic, gold, and glass ionomer.

3. Only teeth with light decay are eligible for fillings.

People are sometimes so self-conscious about their smiles that they assume only major dental work can help them. In addition, they believe the myth that only lightly damaged teeth or small cavities are eligible for dental restorations and thus avoid making an appointment with a dentist.

Special dental restorations exist for teeth that are mostly still intact but lack enough enamel to hold a regular filling, known as inlays or onlays. The main difference in these fillings is that they require two dental visits rather than one to place. Other more advanced restorations are possible for other issues, including broken, infected, or lost teeth.

4. Fillings last forever.

After receiving a filling, some patients believe they do not ever need to return to the dentist. They assume a filling is something they get once and never need to think about again.

Unfortunately, fillings do not last forever. Depending on the type of material, they have average lifespans that range from five to 20 years. Therefore, it is important to keep visiting your dentist for regular checkups to monitor the integrity of your dental work and let you know if you need to replace any fillings.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Restorations in Dallas, TX

Conclusion

Once you know the truth about dental restorations, it is easy to understand why your dentist recommends them. They are an effective way to restore the appearance and functionality of your teeth and prevent any further damage from occurring.

Request an appointment or call Highlands Family Dentistry at 214-491-5362 for an appointment in our Dallas office.

Related Posts

Save Your Tooth With A Dental Restoration

Thanks to advanced dental restorations, tooth loss is not the inevitable outcome of decay or damage that it once was. Restorations — including fillings, crowns, bridges, and implants — are designed to restore or replace damaged tooth structures or to prevent the advancement of decay. Many restorations can also improve the appearance of a patient’s…

Restore Your Smile With Dental Restorations

Numerous things can interfere with a good smile. Whether it is a missing, cracked, chipped, damaged, or decayed tooth, dental restorations help improve how you look, prevent future dental issues, and improve the function of your teeth and mouth. Depending on the type and severity of the issue, there are various restoration procedures available.Some people…

4 Tips For Dental Restoration Aftercare

After getting dental restorations such as fillings, implants, crowns, or root canals, it is important to follow any aftercare instructions given by the dentist. Doing so can help avoid damaging the restoration and causing further harm to the mouth. It can also allow the mouth to heal quickly and properly. Here are some tips commonly…