Fillings

A dental filling is a procedure for restoring a damaged tooth to its original form and strength. When a tooth starts decaying, the overall strength of the tooth gets compromised. Dental fillings help a decayed or damaged portion of a tooth to regain its original shape. They help fill in the spaces of the tooth caused by decay where the bacteria would otherwise enter and do further damage. The cavities will create a hole in the tooth that cannot repair itself. These holes can be treated with fillings. Additionally, they help protect the tooth from further decay, and the fillings can reduce sensitivity by concealing areas that have lost their protective enamel.

What are the fillings composed of?

There are many varieties of filling materials available. Most of the fillings contain resin fused with glass fibers for strength and durability. The most common types of teeth-colored fillings are composite resin and porcelain fillings.

• Composite Fillings:The most widely used fillings are composite resin fillings. These teeth-colored composite fillings are closer in the shade to the natural teeth. These filings are bonded to the tooth and instantly hardened with laser lights. The composite fillings keep the tooth stronger when compared to other alternatives.
• Porcelain Fillings:This type of fillings is used when a major portion of the tooth's structure is damaged or missing. Porcelain inlays and onlays are custom-made in a dental lab to suit the patient's needs. They are strong and durable.

What is the procedure for Dental Fillings?

A dental filling begins with the removal of decayed parts of the tooth. A numbing gel and local anesthesia are used in the affected area to ensure the patient's comfort. The tooth's surface is meticulously cleaned and disinfected to remove all the bacteria. Once the tooth is cleaned sufficiently, a tooth-colored composite filling material is chemically bonded to fill the tooth. It is filled according to shape, size, and color. Ultraviolet light is used to harden the filling material permanently.

If the dental cavity area is too large for a filling, a tooth-colored porcelain filling may be used in the form of inlays or onlays. The method for both inlays and onlays is very similar. After extracting the decayed part of the tooth, its remaining surface is cleaned, and all the bacteria are removed. A mold of the remaining portion of the tooth is taken and sent to a dental laboratory to have customized inlays or onlays filling fabricated. The tooth is filled with an interim filling until the porcelain fillings are ready. After a few days gap, the temporary filling is removed, and the porcelain inlays or onlays fillings are inserted and bonded to the tooth with strong chemical adhesives.

How should you care for the Fillings?

Proper oral hygiene should be followed to ensure the longevity of the fillings. The fillings can weaken if there is further decay of the tooth, and a fresh filling may be needed. The fillings can last longer with regular brushing and flossing, and maintaining a healthy mouth.

Call us at Beyond Expectation Dental or schedule an online appointment to know more about Dental Fillings.