Cavity Protection

Cavity Protection

 

A dental filling is a procedure where a material (such as porcelain inlay/onlay or composite) is inserted into a damaged or decayed tooth to restore its original shape and function.

Dental fillings are commonly used to prevent further damage to a tooth when decay takes place. By eliminating the bacteria present and sealing the affected area, no further tooth decay can occur.

You may need a filling if you have tooth decay or if the structure of the tooth is lost due to trauma, or damaged due to misuse (such as nail-biting or tooth grinding).

• The process of getting a dental filling:

Most dentists will start the dental filling procedure by preparing the area with numbing spray/gel before applying a local anesthetic. This helps create a more comfortable and stress-free experience for patients, by alleviating the feeling of the local anesthetic needle.

Once the area is fully numb, the dentist will remove any decay with a drill, air abrasion instrument, or laser. Next, your dentist will probe or test the area to determine if all the decay has been eliminated. 

After the decay has been removed, the dentist will prepare the space for the filling by cleaning the cavity of bacteria and debris. 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. 

The dentist will then seal the area with a filling material. To maintain a proper bite function, the dentist will check with you to ensure that your bite feels normal. If necessary, part of the filling will be reduced to restore the natural bite. Generally, after the filling is placed, your dentist will finish and polish it.

• Types of dental fillings:

Amalgam:

Amalgam has been used for over 150 years. It is a mixture of metals, including silver, copper, tin, mercury, and zinc, and is a very strong filling material. Although mercury exposure can be toxic, amalgam is safe and effective to use for most people.

Composite resin:

Composite resin is a white or tooth-colored material. It can be matched to mimic the color of natural teeth, hence it is a great choice for restoring aesthetics as well as restoring function.

Glass-ionomer cement:

Glass-ionomer cement can also be matched to natural teeth color, but it might not last as long as composite resin. It is usually used as a liner under the filling to protect the nerve, or in areas where the biting force is minimal, and on baby teeth.

Gold and porcelain fillings:

Gold and porcelain are long-lasting fillings. Porcelain fillings can be matched to mimic the color of natural teeth, but gold is gold. And while being the most expensive filling material, gold fillings are well received by the surrounding gum tissue and can last for more than 20 years.

 
Schedule your dental visit today!