Dental fillings are applied to teeth that are decayed, broken or damaged for any reason. After treatment, deformed teeth regain their former appearance and functions.
Dental fillings are a combination of materials such as metal, plastic, glass, or other substances used to restore or repair teeth. One of the most popular uses of fillings is to "fill" the area of the tooth that your dentist removes due to decay, known as a "cavity." Fillings are also used to repair cracked or broken teeth and teeth that have been worn down from misuse (such as from nail-biting or tooth grinding).
Dental filling materials include:
The location and extent of the decay, the cost of the filling material, your insurance coverage, and your dentist's recommendation help determine the type of filling that best meets your needs.
Yes. The advantages and disadvantages of filling materials are as follows:
Indirect fillings are similar to composite or tooth-colored fillings but are made in a dental laboratory and require two visits before being placed. Indirect fillings are considered when there isn't enough tooth structure to support a traditional filling but the tooth isn't damaged enough to need a crown.
During the first visit, the dentist removes the decay or old filling. An impression is taken to record the shape of the tooth and surrounding teeth. The impression is sent to the dental laboratory that makes the indirect filling. A temporary filling is placed to protect the tooth while the restoration is made. During the second visit, the temporary filling is removed, and the dentist checks the fit of the indirect restoration. If the fit is acceptable, it is permanently cemented into place.
There are two types of indirect fillings: inlays and onlays.
Inlays and onlays are more durable and last longer than traditional fillings (up to 30 years). They can be made from tooth-colored composite resin, porcelain, or gold. They weaken the tooth structure but to a lesser extent than traditional fillings.
Temporary fillings may be needed if:
Temporary fillings are just that — temporary. They are not meant to last. Usually, they fall out, break, or wear out within a month. Be sure to return to your dentist to have the temporary filling replaced with a permanent one. Otherwise, your tooth could become infected or you could have other complications.
First, your dentist will numb the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic. Next, a drill, air abrasion instrument, or laser will be used to remove the decayed area. The choice of instrument depends on the dentist's comfort level, training, and investment in particular equipment, as well as the location and extent of the decay.
Next, your dentist will probe or test the area during the decay removal process to determine if all the decay has been removed. Once the decay is removed, your dentist will clean the cavity of bacteria and debris to prepare the area for the filling. If the decay is near the root, your dentist may first put in a liner made of glass ionomer, composite resin, or another material to protect the nerve. Usually, after the filling is in, your dentist will finish and polish it.
Several additional steps are required for tooth-colored fillings and are as follows. After your dentist removes the decay and cleans the area, the tooth-colored material is applied in layers. A special light that "cures" or hardens each layer is then applied. When the multilayering process is completed, the dentist will shape the composite material to the desired result, trim off any excess material, and polish the final restoration.
When you come to our clinic, our dentists will decide with you which treatment is necessary through X-ray and oral examination. Under local anesthesia, the decayed parts are cleaned. The edges are trimmed for the filling to adhere better. An intraoral impression can be taken digitally with a camera or with silicone materials. Temporary filling material is placed in your tooth. Your filling is prepared in the laboratory with the impression. In the second session, adjustments are made, and the filling is cemented to your tooth with adhesive materials.
To protect your fillings, you should follow good oral hygiene practices:
Call your dentist if you notice the following:
If your dentist suspects that one of your fillings may be cracked or "leaking" (when the edges of the filling don't fit snugly against the tooth, debris and saliva can seep down between the filling and the tooth and cause decay), they will take an X-ray to determine the issue and plan treatment for the affected tooth.
Tooth sensitivity after a filling is quite common. Your tooth may be sensitive to pressure, air, sweet foods, or temperature. Usually, the sensitivity resolves on its own within a few weeks. In the meantime, try to avoid the cause of the sensitivity. Typically, pain relievers are not needed.
If the sensitivity does not subside within two to four weeks or if your tooth is extremely sensitive, contact your dentist. They may recommend using a desensitizing toothpaste, applying a desensitizing agent to the tooth, or possibly performing a root canal procedure.
Pain after a dental filling can occur for several reasons, each with different causes.
There are three main reasons why dental fillings need to be replaced:
Dental fillings generally last for many years before they need to be replaced. However, constant exposure to the pressure of chewing, grinding, or clenching can cause fillings to wear away, chip, or crack. You may not be able to tell that your filling is wearing down, but your dentist can identify weaknesses in your restorations during a regular check-up.
First, your dentist will numb the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic. Next, a drill, air abrasion instrument, or laser will be used to remove the decayed area. The choice of instrument depends on the dentist's comfort level, training, and investment in particular equipment, as well as the location and extent of the decay.
Next, your dentist will probe or test the area during the decay removal process to determine if all the decay has been removed. Once the decay is removed, your dentist will clean the cavity of bacteria and debris to prepare the area for the filling. If the decay is near the root, your dentist may first put in a liner made of glass ionomer, composite resin, or other material to protect the nerve. Usually, after the filling is in, your dentist will finish and polish it.
Several additional steps are required for tooth-colored fillings, which are applied in layers. A special light that "cures" or hardens each layer is then applied. When the multilayering process is completed, the dentist will shape the composite material to the desired result, trim off any excess material, and polish the final restoration.
After getting a filling, your tooth may be sensitive to pressure, air, sweet foods, or temperature. Usually, the sensitivity resolves on its own within a few weeks. In the meantime, try to avoid the cause of the sensitivity. Typically, pain relievers are not needed.
If the sensitivity does not subside within two to four weeks or if your tooth is extremely sensitive, contact your dentist. They may recommend using a desensitizing toothpaste, applying a desensitizing agent to the tooth, or possibly performing a root canal procedure.
If your filling falls out, it's important to contact your dentist as soon as possible to schedule an appointment. In the meantime, keep the area clean and avoid chewing on the affected side. Your dentist will likely replace the filling, and they may discuss options to prevent future issues.
