Our back teeth often remain out of sight and out of mind because of their location. Yet, these molars play a pivotal role in the health and functionality of our teeth. It’s only when a sudden toothache disrupts our daily routine, or we struggle to chew our favourite foods that we’re reminded of their importance.
In this blog, we will learn more about the often-overlooked role of our back teeth in maintaining not just chewing efficiency but also overall dental health. Join us as we explore why preserving our back teeth through proper care and the use of back tooth fillings is absolutely essential for your lasting oral well-being.
Role of Back Teeth in Maintaining Oral Health & Function
Your back teeth play a vital role in oral health maintenance and functionality. Here are some reasons why:
- Chewing Efficiency: Back teeth are designed with broad, flat surfaces and sturdy cusps, making it easy to grind and chew food. They bear the brunt of the work when you enjoy a meal, helping to break down food into smaller, digestible particles.
- Proper Digestion: Effective chewing initiated by your back teeth is the first step in the digestive process. Thoroughly masticated food is easier for your stomach and intestines to process, ensuring optimal nutrient absorption.
- Speech Articulation: Back teeth play a role in forming certain sounds and phonetic articulators in speech. Their proper function contributes to clear and articulate speech.
- Maintaining Tooth Alignment: Back teeth help maintain the alignment and spacing of your entire dental arch. When healthy and in correct positions, they provide essential support for neighbouring teeth, preventing misalignments that can lead to bite issues and discomfort.
- Preserving Jaw Health: These teeth distribute the forces generated during chewing evenly across your jawbone. This balanced distribution helps prevent jaw discomfort, such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues.
- Preventing Tooth Migration: When a back tooth is lost or compromised, neighbouring teeth may shift to fill the gap. This can result in misalignment and affect your bite’s stability.
- Stability for Dental Prosthetics: Back teeth are anchors for dental prosthetics like bridges and partial dentures. Their stability is essential for the effective functioning of these restorations.
- Aesthetic Balance: Even though they’re not visible when you smile, properly aligned and healthy back teeth contribute to the overall aesthetic balance of your face.
- Overall Oral Health: Neglecting the care of your back teeth can lead to cavities, decay, and other oral health issues. These problems can spread to affect the nearby teeth and gums, potentially leading to more complex dental treatments.
Why Are Tooth Cavity Fillings Important?
Tooth cavities develop on the hard outer surface of teeth. They occur due to a combination of factors that involve harmful bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria feed on sugars and carbohydrates from the food we consume, producing acids as a byproduct. Over time, these acids, along with food particles and saliva, create a sticky film called plaque, which adheres to the tooth’s surface. Plaque acids then attack the enamel, causing it to weaken and eventually break down, resulting in the formation of tiny holes or cavities in the tooth. If left untreated, cavities can progress deeper into the tooth, potentially causing pain and more extensive dental problems.
Dental fillings help treat these cavities, sealing the compromised tooth structure and protecting it from further damage. Early detection and treatment are crucial to preserve your tooth structure and prevent the spread of cavity decay.
Here are some reasons why back tooth cavity fillings are important:
Customised Protection
Tooth cavity fillings are not a one-size-fits-all solution. They adapt to the specific needs of different areas in your mouth. Back teeth usually do most of the work in your daily life and endure more wear and tear, ultimately making them prone to decay. Dental fillings on these surfaces restore functionality and prevent potential misalignments and jaw issues caused by compromised chewing efficiency.
The Domino Effect of Untreated Cavities
Neglecting cavities or delaying treatment can have far-reaching consequences. What starts as a tiny hole can escalate into severe tooth decay, exposing the sensitive inner layers of the tooth. It can lead to excruciating pain, infection, and potential tooth loss. Untreated cavities also compromise neighbouring teeth as bacteria spread can intensify the risk of further tooth decay.
Safeguarding Against Damaged Filling
Cracks or wear and tear in fillings create pockets for bacteria to thrive, leading to the recurrence of decay. It not only affects the treated tooth but can also impact adjacent teeth. Regular dental check-ups are essential to detect and address any issues with existing fillings promptly.
Aesthetic and Functional Restoration
Dental fillings not only restore function but blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. Their aesthetic appeal matches their ability to maintain proper tooth alignment, preserve your bite, and avoid misalignment issues that can cause jaw discomfort.
Types of Cavity Fillings
As cavity damage can range from tiny holes to complete tooth loss, so do the types of cavity fillings. Each type of filling has its own purpose and medical considerations.
Let us explore these options so you can better understand the functionality of each:
Amalgam Fillings
Amalgam fillings have been a staple in dentistry for decades. Also known as “silver fillings,” they are made of a mixture of metals, including silver, mercury, tin, and copper. Their durability makes them ideal for restoring teeth subject to heavy chewing forces. They are also relatively inexpensive and can last for many years.
Composite Fillings
Composite fillings are a more aesthetic alternative to amalgam fillings as they give a more natural look to your teeth. They are made of a blend of resin and ceramic particles that can be matched to the shade of your natural teeth, making them virtually invisible. If you are more concerned about the appearance of your teeth than the cost, composite fillings may be the right choice.
Porcelain Fillings
Porcelain fillings offer a good balance of durability and aesthetics. They are custom-made in dental labs to fit your tooth precisely. Their strength and natural appearance make them popular for back teeth cavity fillings.
Gold Fillings
Gold fillings may be the answer for those seeking durability and strength. These fillings are made from gold, copper, and other metals, offering exceptional longevity. Their noticeable appearance makes them unique, often favoured for back teeth.
At the Dental Family Family Beaumaris, we offer composite resin and amalgam fillings tailored to your dental needs and aesthetic preferences. Our goal is to diagnose the decay early, well before it has a chance to reach the nerve and cause a nasty toothache.
Do’s & Don’ts After Dental Cavity Fillings?
After getting those cavity fillings, a few post-filling do’s and don’ts go a long way to ensure your smile stays bright and healthy.
Foods to Avoid
Think of your new fillings as freshly laid foundations. Give them time to settle by avoiding overly sticky, chewy, or hard foods. Taffy, jawbreakers, and stubborn nuts might challenge your new fillings to a duel they are not ready for.
Expect Some Sensitivity
Don’t be surprised if your teeth act a bit sensitive. It’s completely normal and temporary. Just be gentle while brushing, and consider switching to a soft-bristle toothbrush for a while – your teeth will appreciate the tender care!
Bonus Tips
- Hydration is the most essential part! Sip on water to keep your mouth hydrated and help wash away any lingering particles.
- Also, hold off on sipping those piping hot or ice-cold drinks immediately – let your teeth regain their equilibrium.
- Keep those follow-up appointments with your dentist. Regular check-ups help ensure your fillings settle well and your oral health stays on track.
Alternative Restorative Dental Treatments
In dental restoration, cavity fillings are usually the most common method for treating decayed or damaged teeth. However, there are instances when dental fillings may not be suitable.
If the back tooth is seriously damaged or the void left after treatment is substantial, alternative restorative dental treatments may be recommended. Some of the treatments include:
Root Canal
If the tooth pulp, the inner part which contains blood vessels and nerves, becomes infected or damaged, a root canal may be needed. During a root canal, the damaged pulp is removed, and the interior is cleaned, disinfected, and sealed. It not only eliminates the pain but also prevents the need for potential tooth extraction.
At the Dental Family Beaumaris, we aim to save your natural tooth with restorative and preventive dental treatments, helping preserve and rebuild the tooth to enhance function and form. A root canal can help save your tooth from extraction, removing infection and deep decay for a pain-free smile.
Dental Crown
A dental crown is a custom-made cap placed over the damaged tooth, covering and protecting it. It is made of ceramic or porcelain, offering durability and aesthetics in equal measure. The dentist often recommends a crown if your tooth has experienced severe cavities or fractures after a root canal. Dental crowns strengthen your tooth and enhance its appearance, ensuring it blends seamlessly with your natural smile.
At our Beaumaris Clinic, we offer a range of custom-made dental crowns, such as all-ceramic, porcelain-fused-to-metal and gold crowns. With treatments tailored to your oral and aesthetic requirements and the latest dental technology and techniques, we ensure you get high-quality dental care for a flawless smile.
Dental Extraction
If a tooth has been damaged beyond repair due to extensive decay, a dental extraction may be the only option. This helps protect your oral health and the remaining teeth from the risk of the decay spreading.
Keep Your Teeth Strong & Healthy with Bespoke Dental Care
At The Dental Family Beaumaris, we’re not just your dentists but partners in your oral health journey. Whether it’s back tooth cavity fillings to protect your teeth, dental bonding to improve your smile, or preventive care to maintain gum and oral health, we offer quality dental care suited to your unique needs. Book a consultation with our dentists today,
