Are Tooth Fillings Always Visible? 

Most people assume dental fillings are easy to spot. After all, decades of using amalgam fillings have made this assumption believable. However, just because you needdental fillings in Medina, OH, it does not necessarily mean you will walk away with visible spots on your repaired teeth. Here is a closer look at everything you need to know about the dental fillings you will get at a modern dentist.

Visible fillings are more common where they cannot be seen

When people think of dental fillings that are visible, they are likely to be thinking about amalgam fillings. Amalgam fillings are made of metal, and these fillings have been a standard way of filling a treated cavity for many years. While the material is exceptionally resilient, the end result is a gray-toned spot on the tooth that is visible.

These dental fillings are highly fitting for the teeth in your mouth that do the most work when you chew. So, in other words, they are most common in the back teeth. Therefore, even though the fillings are easy to spot, they are not so apparent because of their placement in the mouth.

Most dentists prefer to use composite fillings today

The more modern way to approach filling a cavity is with composite fillings. This material is made with plastic resins, and the material can be shaded so that it perfectly matches the shade of the tooth. Therefore, once a composite filling is placed by a skilled dentist, that filling doesn’t show up.

Because composite fillings are not visible, these are usually used to repair teeth in the front of your mouth. However, composite fillings can also be used to repair teeth in the back of the mouth. The only issue with composite fillings in the molars and jaw teeth is the filling may have to be replaced more frequently because composite is not as resilient as amalgam.

Find Out More About Fillings from a Medina, OH Dentist

Dental fillings could easily be deemed as one of the most valuable treatments in dentistry. Cavities are extremely common for both children and adults, with most people having at least one affected tooth in their lifetime. If you would like to know more about fillings, be sure to talk to aMedina, OH dentist about your concerns. Reach out to us at the Evanko Dental Group of Medina to schedule an appointment for preventative dental treatments.

3 Ways to Prepare for Your Upcoming Oral Surgery 

Whether you are getting dental implants in Medina, OH, your wisdom teeth removed, or some other type of oral surgery, proper preparation can make all the difference. As you work with the dentist to get ready, here are a few key pointers to remember to ensure the process goes well.

Discuss what to expect with your dentist

The dentist will be your main source of information when it comes to any type of oral surgery. During the appointments leading up to the procedure, the dentist will go over with you what to expect during the procedure and during your recovery. Make sure to:

  • Ask questions about any part of the process that you don’t understand
  • Discuss how your dietary intake may be affected immediately after the procedure
  • Find out how long it will likely take for you to recover

Prepare for transportation after your appointment

Most often, oral surgery will require some level of anesthesia. For that reason, you may be a little groggy after the procedure, and it may not be safe for you to drive home on your own. Of course, this can vary depending on the specific anesthesia used during the procedure. However, it is generally a good idea to arrange to have transportation after your procedure.

Make the necessary preparations at home

The healing process after your procedure can take anywhere from a few weeks to a month or more, depending on what was done. During this time, you may need to take it easy when it comes to what you eat at home. So make sure you stock up on easy-to-eat foods, such as soft vegetables, soups, and even soft beans, jello, or ice cream. For the most part, oral surgery will not lead to limitations in general physical activity, but you will want to refrain from doing a lot of strenuous activity immediately after surgery.

Discuss Oral Surgery Needs with a Skilled Medina, OH Dentist

Oral surgery can sound like an intimidating procedure, but when the procedure is trusted to a skilled Medina, OH dentist, you can expect things to go smoothly. If you suspect you need some type of oral surgery, reach out to us at the Evanko Dental Group of Medina to schedule a consultation.

4 Important Questions to Ask Next Time You See the Dentist

When you go to the dentist for a check-up in Medina, OH, that’s your opportunity to get answers to questions that you might have about your oral hygiene and dental health. It’s good to ask questions when you’re meeting with the dentist because the answers to those questions can help you improve your oral hygiene routine. Below are some useful questions you can ask your dentist the next time you see each other.

1. Is my oral hygiene routine adequate?

Most people need to brush their teeth twice a day, floss once per day, and see the dentist every six months in order to keep their teeth cleaned. If you’re not following this schedule, or if you have a condition that requires a different dental care routine, then your dentist will be the one to know.

Ask your dentist if you’re taking care of your teeth properly. Your dentist will be able to assess your routine based on the state of your dental health and make recommendations accordingly.

2. Am I at risk for any dental conditions?

Some people are at risk for dental conditions because of the state of their overall physical health. For example, pregnant women can be at risk for gingivitis. Knowing your dental hygiene risks can help you decide what you need to be doing in order to take care of your teeth.

3. When should I come in for my next appointment?

It’s typical for dental patients to go in to see the dentist every six months. However, some people need to see the dentist more often to check up on a condition or to perform a necessary dental procedure.

Some people only see the dentist once per year because their oral hygiene is overall good, and their oral hygiene routine is adequate for their needs. Your dentist can tell you when it’s time to come in next. Find out when you talk to your dentist!

4. Is there anything I can do to improve my smile?

Many dentists offer tooth whitening procedures, dental veneers and other services that can help improve the smiles of their patients. Ask your dentist in Medina, OH what you can do to improve your smile. Call Evanko Dental Group of Medina to make your appointment today.