How Much Do You Know About Cavities And Fillings?

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fillinDid you know that dental fillings date as far back as the T’ang Dynasty in China, AD 618-907?  They may have been used even before that. Did you ever wonder if you really need to fill a cavity? What would happen if you didn’t? What exactly is a cavity? A cavity is the collapse of the outer layer of your tooth enamel causing an indention or a hole. If you leave a cavity untreated it will work its way into the pulp of your tooth causing pain and eventual tooth loss. Find out how much you know about cavities and fillings by taking the quiz below.

True or False?

  1. True or False: Cavities only affect 10 percent of the population.
  2. True or False: Dental fillings weren’t developed in the U.S. until after the Civil War.
  3. True or False: Originally, metal was the only material used for dental fillings.
  4. True or False: The use of silver amalgam fillings began around 1830 in the U.S.
  5. True or False: Composite resin fillings are the most commonly used fillings today.

Answers:

  1. False: Cavities affect over 90 percent of the population. Nearly 80 percent of Americans develop at least one cavity by the age of 17.
  2. False: On the battlefield during the Civil War tin was used as a dental filling.
  3. True: Metal fillings including silver, gold, and platinum were the only fillings used beginning in the early19th century. Eventually, gold and silver became the most common choices.
  4. True: Silver amalgam fillings became the most popular. Because they are a mixture of silver, tin, zinc, copper, other metals, and liquid mercury they cost less than gold.
  5. True: Often referred to as “white” fillings, composite resin fillings have become popular because they blend with your natural dentition.

ABOUT YOUR NORTH RICHLAND HILLS DENTIST:

With over 25 years of professional experience, Dr. Steven M. Huffstutler and his caring team proudly provide exceptional preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dental treatment to patients and their families across Dallas/Ft. Worth, including North Richland Hills, Denton, the Mid-cities, Southlake, and all surrounding communities. We also have extensive experience helping patients find relief from painful TMJ disorders (various forms of jaw dysfunction). To schedule an appointment with Dr. Huffstutler, contact our office today by calling 817-918-3038.