Cavity- a word that takes us back to childhood days when we were warned not to have too many chocolates. Those creepy-looking germs from toothpaste advertisements would attack us while we were asleep. We would wake up crying, and mom would take us to the dentist. And he gives us the dreaded news: There is a cavity which needs to be filled!
A dental filling is the most mistaken dental procedure of all time. With so many myths attached to dental fillings, let's debunk them here and learn facts.
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MYTH: A CAVITY LEFT UNTREATED IS NO BIG DEAL.
FACT: can worsen with time and affect other organs in the long run.
The primary advice that your dentist will give you once you are diagnosed with a cavity is to get it filled. If a mild infection is beginning to cause decay of your teeth, it is sorted out with a cavity. If you do not heed his advice, the infection is bound to penetrate deep into the dental pulp and nerves. And root canal would be the only solution to treat it. Apart from the extra expenses, it would also mean that you go through unbearable pain, difficulty in eating, swelling of the gums and face, and sometimes fever.
So DO NOT leave a cavity untreated.
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MYTH: THE METAL USED IN DENTAL FILLINGS CAUSES CANCER
FACT: There are body-friendly fillings in composite resin or porcelain ceramic.
People who have this false notion opt-out of a dental filling, thinking, "now it's just a cavity, later it could be cancer."
All modern dentists at well-established dental clinics such as Whiteline Dental Clinic prescribe body-friendly fillings instead of metal amalgam fillings. They do not cause any harm to your body; instead, they aid in pain relief and preservation of damaged teeth.
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MYTH: IT HURTS TO GET A TOOTH FILLED
FACT: It is a painless procedure as we will give your local anesthesia.
The only pain you will experience during a filling is when you receive the anesthetic. It makes the area feel numb to almost an hour even after the procedure.
So, it's time to put your worries to rest.
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MYTH: MY DENTIST TOLD ME THAT THERE IS A CAVITY, BUT I DON’T HAVE A TOOTHACHE. SO I DON’T NEED A FILLING.
FACT: Not all cavities hurt in the beginning.
On a regular visit to your dentist, he might have caught a cavity at an early stage. Even though you may not be experiencing any symptoms yet, the cavity will worsen if left untreated.
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MYTH: KIDS WITH CAVITIES IN THEIR MILK TEETH DO NOT NEED FILLINGS.
FACT: Healthy milk teeth ensure healthy permanent teeth.
Most parents are hesitant to treat cavities in their child's milk teeth, as they think they will fall out soon anyway. But untreated decays in milk teeth can result in them falling out earlier than usual, creating gaps, and affecting the alignment and growth of permanent teeth in the future.
So, make sure you give the utmost care to your children's dental health.
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MYTH: FILLINGS ARE FOREVER.
FACT: Fillings need to be taken care of.
The reason you got a tooth filled was due to bacteria eating up parts of your tooth, leading to a cavity. But even after a filling, a bacterial attack can happen around the filling, causing it to crack or fall out. So regular brushing, flossing, and the use of a fluoride-based mouthwash recommended by your dentist can go a long way in preserving your dental fillings and general dental health.
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MYTH: ALL FILLINGS WILL NEED REPLACEMENT EVENTUALLY
FACT: If taken care of well, dental fillings do not need a replacement for years or even a lifetime.
We have had many patients asking us when do they need to visit again for a replacement. We have had to educate them that once a dental filling is prepared and placed perfectly, which is a sure shot in the hands of expert dentists at Whiteline Dental Clinic, Dubai, it can last for many years to come. It can even last a lifetime if you are someone who maintains dental hygiene.
