Dental Fillings
Dental fillings are a restorative dentistry treatment. Dentists use fillings for fixing cavities and repairing small, chipped cracks in teeth. Other names for dental filling are tooth filling, cavity filling, or dental restorations, which also include various treatments such as inlays, onlays, crowns, and bridges.
Types of Dental Fillings
Different types of tooth fillings include:
Silver amalgam fillings
Silver amalgam filling is highly sought after for its long-lasting nature and cost-effectiveness. It is very durable and highly resistant to wear. It consists of minerals such as zinc, tin, copper, and silver, enabling the dentist to mold it into the cavity before it hardens. However, one disadvantage of this type of dental filling is its lack of aesthetic appeal, which makes it less suitable for visible teeth. Additionally, it can react to temperature changes by expanding and contracting, and this might cause some damage to the tooth structure, causing new cavities.
Composite fillings
Composite filling is a mixture of resin and plastic that is inserted into the cavity in its malleable state and then hardened using a blue "curing" light. This particular type of filling is commonly used due to its ability to seamlessly blend with the natural colour of the teeth, making it less noticeable compared to silver amalgam fillings. Composite fillings usually require replacement every five to ten years and they are also more expensive compared to silver fillings.
Ceramic fillings
Ceramic filling is made from porcelain, ensuring longevity and aesthetic appeal. This filling's tooth-coloured appearance and resistance to staining and abrasion surpass those of composite resin. However, ceramics are brittle, so to avoid breakage, larger sizes must be used. As a result, more of your tooth is removed when this type of ceramic restoration is used, and these restorations are known as ‘inlays’ or ‘onlays.’
Glass ionomer fillings
Glass-and-acrylic fillings are an excellent choice for children with developing teeth as they release fluoride, which offers a level of protection from tooth decay. Traditional glass ionomer fillings do not match the natural colour of the tooth.
Gold fillings
Gold fillings are known to be expensive and relatively rare. The process of fitting a gold filling correctly usually requires multiple dental office visits. Despite these factors, gold is durable, resistant to corrosion, and can last for over two decades.
Indications for Dental Fillings
Dental fillings are used for the
- Treatment of dental caries (cavities)
- Restoration of fractured or damaged teeth
- Cosmetic enhancements (e.g., closing gaps, reshaping teeth)
The Dental Filling Procedure
After the initial dental consultation and examination, the dentist will:
- Remove decayed or damaged tissue
- Shape the tooth to accommodate the filling
- Choose the appropriate type and shade of filling material (fillings made of a tooth-coloured resin-based cement that combines glass quartz and resin)
- Layer and shape the filling to restore the tooth's natural contours
- Apply adhesive bonding agents (for composite fillings)
- Cure the filling material using a special light
- Smooth and polish the filling to achieve a natural look
Benefits of Dental Fillings
Tooth fillings offer numerous advantages for dental health, such as:
- Preservation of tooth structure
- Prevention of further decay or damage
- Restoration of tooth function and aesthetics
- Ability to repair various types of dental problems
- Compatibility with different tooth surfaces (e.g., front teeth, molars)
- Natural look that complements the texture and colour of surrounding teeth
Aftercare and Maintenance of Dental Fillings
Post-care instructions for dental fillings include
- Taking prescribed medication for any discomfort
- Following a balanced diet
- Checking for an uneven bite
- Brushing teeth and using floss regularly
- Refraining from teeth grinding
- Promptly addressing any pain
Dental fillings are a great way to reinforce your natural tooth structure and minimize the chances of future decay. To ensure optimal oral health and prevent tooth decay, visit Dr. Motiwala for expert dental fillings, regular cleanings, and checkups.
