DENTAL FILLING
Dental filling, also known as tooth filling or cavity filling, is one of the restorative dentistry treatments for dealing with the issues of tooth decay and structural damage. This is a process that involves replacing or reconstituting missing/degenerate tooth structures using several materials. Treatments for cavities in teeth improve the ability to chew and thus preserve tooth structure by strengthening weakened teeth.
Tooth structure is usually destroyed due to tooth decay or trauma. A Dental Filling helps fill and protect this space from further decay. It is also used for the repair of broken or cracked teeth, which could wear out due to dental habits like teeth grinding and nail-biting.
Such filling materials could be of Composite, Ceramic, GIC, etc., origin and are utilized to even out tooth surfaces, enabling them for good biting or chewing purposes.
TYPES OF DENTAL FILLINGS
Dental Fillings are of many types. Now, what kind of Filling that should be used depends upon the condition of decay and other factors. The different types of fillings available are:
- Composite Fillings
- Silver Amalgam Fillings
- Ceramic Fillings
- GIC- Glass Ionomer Fillings
WHEN DOES ONE NEED DENTAL FILLING?
There are many signs and symptoms where Teeth Filling can be required. The visible hole in the Tooth. The hole would be visible, or you could run your tongue over the teeth to make it out. Other symptoms and signs include:
- Persistent Toothache
- Dark Spots on the Tooth
- Food stuck between some regions of the teeth
- Chipped or Broken Tooth
- Sensitivity to hot and Cold food and beverage
- Single or Multiple Cavities
When you have any of the symptoms listed above, you may need teeth or dental fillings. Your Endodontist will make the ultimate decision after doing a complete oral examination.
CONSEQUENCES OF NOT GETTING A DENTAL FILLING
If you have cavities or decayed teeth, then it is necessary to get them examined in time with the help of the dentist so that teeth filling can be done. This is because:
- The hard outer part or the enamel, which is also the protective layer of the tooth starts having decay
- Once the enamel is damaged, it leads to exposed dentin causing pain and sensitivity
- The bacteria in your mouth will contact with dentin thus causing infection
- After the infection starts, you will only feel the sensitivity of the tooth and wish that you had done fillings for it. If you probably skipped this part and did not make the treatment on time, the infection will flow into the nerve, and it will eventually damage the tooth, and then you need to undergo a root canal treatment, which will, of course, cost you much more than the fillings.
- In addition, there is also a risk that the infection will travel to another tooth, making it vulnerable to decay
POST TREATMENT CARE FOR DENTAL FILLING
- You may have discomfort around your gums; this will only last a few days.
- For a few days, avoid any hard or sticky foods.
- If you suffer from bruxism, be sure to use a mouthguard to protect your filling.
- If you experience prolonged sensitivity or if your dental fillings fall out, consult your Endodontist right once.
- Maintain a healthy oral hygiene routine. Brush and rinse.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Maintain your Fillings with a simple Oral Care Routine including Brushing and Flossing, and using a Mouthwash. Ensure that food residue does not accumulate near your Tooth Filling. Avoid sugary and sticky items and visit your dentists for regular check-ups.
Yes, there are some pros and cons because of different filling materials. For example,
Composite is more esthetically good because it matches the shape of tooth but slightly expensive filer material among all. In the other hand, Amalgam is stronger but not much aesthetic.
- Gold and Porcelain
- Silver Amalgam – mercury with tin, zinc, silver, and copper
- Composite Resin Fillings –has tooth-colored plastic
- GIC–Has Acrylic and Glass Material
Some temporary sensitivity can be caused after the Filling, which will go away within a few days' time. If it does not, then you can visit your dentist.
Porcelain or gold are the materials utilized in indirect fillings, including as inlays and onlays.
There are two classes of indirect fillings: onlays and inlays.
Following a filling, the patient can first notice changes, but they will gradually go away.
Dental fillings have a limited lifespan, which is influenced by the material used and your level of maintenance. They can typically persist for ten to twenty years.
Yes, but the likelihood of a dental filling falling out is low.
When your filling comes out, go see your dentist right away. For a period, there can be some sensitivity.
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