Dental Filling
Dental fillings are restorative materials dentists use to repair decayed or damaged teeth. They ‘fill in’ the cavities formed during decay removal.
Several dental filling materials are available today, from old-school silver or amalgam to modern-day aesthetic composite resins and porcelain.
Depending upon the material and individual oral health practices, dental fillings can last upto 20 years.
TREATMENT
Who needs a Dental Filling?
Here are a few reasons why you may need a dental filling:
- To restore a decayed tooth
- To repair and restore a fractured tooth
- To replace an old filling
- After a root canal procedure
- You have sensitivity in one or more teeth
- If you experience multiple or frequent episodes of food getting stuck between your teeth
- Throbbing or sharp pain when you lie down or chew food
TREATMENT
Types of Dental Fillings
With the advances in dentistry, there are several types of dental fillings to choose from. Dental fillings can be broadly classified into– direct and indirect fillings.
Direct fillings are restorations that the dentist places in the mouth directly without the need for a laboratory or temporary restoration.
Common direct filling materials include amalgam, resin composites, and cement, such as glass ionomers.
- Amalgam (silver in color; contains mercury mixed with silver, tin, zinc and copper).
- Resin composite (tooth-colored; consists of a resin base with powdered quartz, silica or glass).
- Glass ionomer (tooth-colored; made of silica glass powder).
Indirect fillings, on the other hand, are fabricated in the laboratory, and the dentist cements them in the mouth. These dental fillings usually require two or more visits. The materials used for indirect fillings include porcelain and gold.
- Gold (gold in color; contains gold only ).
- Porcelain (tooth-colored; contains a mixture of minerals like feldspar, quartz and kaolin)
How is a Dental Filling done?
The exact steps of a dental filling procedure vary depending on the filling used. Here’s what a typical procedure looks like:
- The dentist will remove any damaged or decayed portion of the tooth using specialised instruments.
- The cavity formed is cleaned and filled with the dental filling material.
- If a light-activated material is used, the curing light is applied to the filling to allow it to harden.
- The dentist then polishes rough edges or surfaces and corrects the bite until it feels normal.
If you have any queries about getting a dental filling, don’t hesitate to discuss it with our dental experts at Hortman Clinics.
PROCEDURE
What are the benefits of a Dental Filling?
There are several benefits of getting a dental filling. Depending upon the type of filling material used, these include:
- Restore the normal shape and chewing function of the tooth
- Preserve natural tooth structure
- Enhance the appearance of the tooth
- Strengthen weakened teeth
- Are long-lasting solutions
DOCTOR
Consult our doctor
Got a cavity or a chipped tooth? Don’t let them steal your confidence! Hortman Clinics' dental experts perform painless and comfortable dental filling procedures, and we assure you that you will be smiling ear-to-ear in no time. Have a tooth that has been troubling you? Schedule an appointment with our experts today.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Depending upon the type of filling used, you may eat after 1 to 2 hours of the procedure. Ask your doctor when you can eat during your consultation appointment or after the procedure.
Getting a dental filling does not hurt. If the cavity is deep or there is extensive damage to the tooth, the procedure is usually performed under local anaesthesia. If you feel any discomfort during the procedure, inform your doctor immediately.
You can brush your teeth gently after a dental filling the same day. Feel free to use dental floss, but do so carefully. Maintaining good oral hygiene ensures the filling is long-lasting.
Tooth decay is usually removed, and the cavity formed is filled with a dental filling. Some dental filling materials, like glass ionomer cement, contain fluoride, which can stop the progression of decay and prevent it from going deeper.
It is normal to experience mild sensitivity in the treated tooth following a dental filling. You may also experience gum soreness. Both these are temporary effects that resolve in a day or two.
Other complications that may arise after a dental filling is done include:
- Throbbing or stabbing toothache
- Pain on biting
- Pain when consuming hot or cold food
When performed by a trained dental professional and depending on the type of material used, dental fillings can last for over 20 years.
Composites are the best and most popular dental filling material today. They are strong and aesthetic, which makes them versatile and suitable for various clinical scenarios.
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