Laser Fillings
Laser fillings are necessary whenever you have tooth cavities. These laser fillings fill the gap left, after the dentist has removed your cavities. You may also need laser fillings f your teeth has cracks or is broken in some places. The dentist has several means to determine if you need laser fillings:
1. Examination: You may need laser fillings if the dentist sees decaying or discolored spots in your teeth. The decay may not have affected the whole tooth yet. The dentist spots this by using a metal teeth explorer. The decayed spots are softer. The metal explorer will tend to stick to these decayed spots.
2. Dye for cavity detection: A certain dye is used by dentists sometimes to spot teeth that need laser fillings. This dye covers the whole tooth. Healthy spots will allow the dye to be rinsed off totally. On the other hand, the dye sticks on unhealthy spots.
3. X-ray: X-rays are sometimes used to spot trouble areas. However, this is not as reliable for small cavities that need laser fillings.
Laser fillings are called composite resins. These laser fillings are made of fine glass or plastic parts. Laser is used to harden the laser fillings. These types of fillings follow the color of your teeth. Hence, these are often used to fill visible cavities or broken teeth. Typical laser fillings last for at least five years. They need to be replaced once they show signs of wear. They are known not to last as long as amalgam fillings.
