Fillings
A dental filling or a dental restoration is used to repair minor tooth structure missing of the teeth crowns.
A dental filling can restore the anatomy of the teeth crowns as well as improve their function. Tooth decay, crown fracture, enamel abrasion or erosion could also lead to teeth sensitivity, which can also be improved significantly with the placement of a dental filling.
Consultation and Planning
The first step in the dental filling procedure is to inspect the teeth to decide upon the best course of action for the patient. A dental filling is best suited for minor fractures and decay; for more severe cases other types of restorative dental treatment, such as a dental crown or implant, may be necessary. There are several options of materials suitable for a dental filling to fill and seal a cavity, helping prevent further damage of the tooth. For example, the material used for the filling, such as direct composite bonding, porcelain, glass ionomer, silver amalgam or gold inlays, can vary. The appropriate choice will depend on the specific factors such as the size and location of the cavity, the patient’s medical history, esthetic requirements, financial availability and preference. Composite and amalgam are two of the most common restorative materials.
Amalgam
Made up of silver, copper, mercury, and tin, amalgam fillings are the most durable and economical option for our patients. They last up to ten years and are less likely to fall out or break. Commonly used for filling in molar cavities, amalgam fillings can withstand biting pressure and can be fully administered in a single visit. Despite the mercury content, these silver fillings are perfectly safe for anyone aged six and up.
Composite Resin
Since the color of a composite resin filling can be customized, it is the most aesthetically pleasing option. However, it is more expensive and not as strong as an amalgam filling. Composite resin is ideal for repairing chipped or cracked teeth, filling in a tooth gap, correcting dental discoloration, protecting any exposed tooth root from gum recession, or changing the shape of teeth. Patients may also choose composite resin for cavity fillings as they are bonded to the teeth in layers and therefore require less drilling of the natural tooth.
The Procedure
The first step in the dental filling procedure is to administer a local anesthetic so that the area around the affected tooth becomes numb, increasing the comfort of the patient throughout the procedure.
Next, the decayed or damaged tooth and its surrounding areas should be prepared for restoration. A dental hand-piece or laser may be used to remove the damaged parts of the tooth. An acid gel is used to cleanse the area to remove any remaining bacteria or debris. The filling material is then applied to the area to fill the cavity. The placing of a composite filling requires isolation of the affected tooth; this aims to prevent any interference by allowing moisture in the bonding process in the composite restoration. For this to occur, various adhesives are placed before the composite material. The composite material can then be hardened with the use of a curing light.
Finally, the finished tooth can be polished to conclude the dental filling procedure.