Dental fillings
In order to protect a decayed or damaged tooth from further damage, we need to fill the tooth, not only for aesthetics but also to restore normal chewing functions. It is not worth delaying the treatment, the longer we wait, the deeper the cavity gets, eventually reaching the pulp chamber with the nerves in it. This is when the tooth becomes symptomatic and causes pain.
Type of teeth fillings
The type of filling can be determined by the location and the extent of the cavity. Smaller cavities, can easily be replaced with amalgam or, nowadays, a light-curing composite which has the same color as the original tooth. Composite fillings or white fillings come in different tooth shades, so the dentist can easily match the shade of the patients original shade. Composite material is a type of plastic.
When the cavity gets larger,for which the composite's durability is no longer sufficient to fill it, dentists will opt for inlay. This type of filling is made in the dental laboratory after the dentist takes an impression of the tooth. Usually the patient receives a temporary filling until the inlay is completed.
The advantages are
durability- can last for a long period of time
strength- after an initial setting time, the material can resist chewing function
Disadvantages are
esthetic concerns: does not match the sahde of the original tooth
excessive teeth preparation: healthy tooth structure has to be removed to create to create a retentive cavity
allergic reactions to amalgam
fracture of the restoration
can not use to restore front teeth
Tooth colored composite fillings
The advantages are
esthetic: shade matching is possible, the filling is almost ‘undetectable’
bonded: composite filling materials chemically bond to the tooth structure
less cavity preparation is required
versatile: can be used to restore front teeth as well as posterior teeth
Disadvantages are
less durable than amalgam fillings, usually have to be replaced sooner than amalgam
The process of dental fillings
Once the need for filling is determined, the dentist selects the filling material to be used with the patient and then numbs the area of the injured tooth. The carious area is removed with a drill and the cavity is thoroughly cleaned to ensure that no bacteria or drilling debris remains in the area. Then the filing is placed in increments and light cured. After a final polish and occlusal adjustment the filling is ready to be used in function.
If you have any of the following symptoms, you should see your dentist, as urgent action is essential to solve your problem:
if more advanced discoloration shows up on your teeth
if fissures open up on your teeth
if your tooth is fractured
if your teeth are sensitive
if you feel pain
