Our back teeth, called molars, are easily forgotten because we can’t see them. But they are super important for keeping our teeth healthy and helping us chew our food properly.
We usually only remember them when we get a sudden toothache or have trouble chewing our favorite foods. Because they perform most of the chewing function, they are more vulnerable to cavities. Therefore, a back tooth cavity filling can be required to address the issue.
Can You Put a Filling in a Back Tooth?
The usual type of filling is called dental amalgam, made from a mix of metals. Dentists often use dental amalgam for your back teeth because it’s strong. But if you need a filling for one of your front teeth, your dentist might recommend a white filling that matches the color of your tooth.
How Long Do Fillings Last on Back Teeth?
Metal or gold fillings can stay in your tooth for over 20 years. But newer materials like porcelain can last a good amount of time, too, usually around 10 years. Composite resin is also used, but it’s weak and stays for a short amount of time.
Significance of a Back Tooth Cavity Filling
Dental fillings treat cavities. They cover up the holes in your teeth and prevent them from causing a domino effect. Catching and treating cavities early is important to prevent decay from spreading. Following are the reasons why a back tooth cavity filling is required to restore your oral functionality.
- Personalized Protection
Fillings for cavities are not all the same because each part of your mouth has different needs. Your back teeth, which do a lot of chewing, can wear down more and get cavities easier. Fillings in these teeth help them work properly again and stop them from causing problems with your bite or jaw. - Prevention from the Domino Effect of Cavities
Ignoring cavities or waiting too long to fix them can invite serious trouble. What begins as a small hole can turn into serious tooth decay, reaching the sensitive inside of the tooth. This can become painful, trigger infections, and maybe even tooth loss. Untreated cavities can also influence nearby teeth because the bacteria can spread and make them decay. - Shields Against Filling Problems
When fillings crack or wear out, bacteria can grow in these spaces and cause decay again. This affects not only the filled tooth but can also harm nearby teeth. It’s important to see your dentist regularly so they can find and fix any problems with your fillings early on. - Enhances Tooth Appearance and Function
Fillings not only bring back the lost functionality but also look natural. They blend in with your real teeth and help keep your bite and jaw feeling good. This stops any issues with your jaw because your teeth are in the right place.
A Bit-Sized Takeaway
Back teeth perform significant functions like increasing chewing efficiency, proper digestion, speech articulation, jaw health preservation, preventing tooth migration, teeth alignment, and aesthetic balance.
A cavity in any of them can put your whole health at stake. A back tooth cavity filling can be your savior. Visit Dr. Tina Shah at Smile4Ever Family Dentistry. Our doctor is professionally affiliated with the American Dental Association and specializes in restorative dental procedures. Dial (281) 213-5668 to contact.