Dental fillings are single or combinations of metals, plastics, glass or other materials used to repair or restore teeth. One of the most common purposes for fillings is to "fill" a cavity, or a section of tooth that your dentist has removed because of deterioration. In addition, fillings can be used to restore teeth that have been eroded by abuse (such biting one's nails or grinding one's teeth).
The first step during a dental filling is to numb the area near the affected tooth with a local anesthetic. This will help keep the patient comfortable throughout the procedure.
Afterward, the damaged or decayed tooth will be prepared for the dental restoration. The dentist will use a dental hand tool or laser to remove the damaged or decayed area of the tooth. They will use an acid gel to clean the area and eliminate bacteria thoroughly. Then, the filling material will be placed into the cavity.
The dentist will need to isolate the affected tooth to prevent the interference of moisture during the bonding process. Dental adhesive will be applied to the cleaned area and the filling material will be bonded to the tooth. For composite resin, the dentist will harden the filling with a unique UV light. Afterward, the tooth will be polished to a natural sheen.
After completing the dental filling procedure, the dentist will discuss with the patient how to prevent decay from developing under or around the dental filling. The instructions will help prevent additional decay, especially in other teeth.
The dentist may recommend fluoride mouth rinses for patients with a high risk of cavities. Some patients can benefit from getting dental sealants over their molars to reduce the occurrence of decay.
Follow-up appointments and regular checkups are important to monitor the tooth and filling and for a professional dental cleaning.
Advantages and disadvantages of the various dental filling materials are as follows:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
No one type of filling is best for everyone. What's right for you will be determined by the extent of the repair, whether you have allergies to certain materials, where in your mouth the filling is needed, and the cost. Considerations for different materials include:
If decay or a fracture has damaged a large portion of the tooth, a crown, or cap, may be recommended. Decay that has reached the nerve may be treated in two ways: through root canal therapy (in which nerve damaged nerve is removed) or through a procedure called pulp capping (which attempts to keep the nerve alive).
To maintain your fillings, you should follow good oral hygiene practices:
Call your dentist if:
Your dentist will take X-rays if he or she suspects that one of your fillings might be cracked or is “leaking” (when the sides of the filling don't fit tightly against the tooth, debris and saliva can seep down between the filling and the tooth, which leads to decay).
Tooth sensitivity after getting a dental filling is a common occurrence and can be caused by various factors. Here are some possible reasons:
It's important to note that some degree of sensitivity immediately following a dental filling is normal. However, if the sensitivity persists or worsens over time, it's crucial to contact your dentist. They can assess the situation, determine the cause of the sensitivity, and recommend appropriate steps to address it, which may include adjustments to the filling or other interventions.
In most cases, you can resume normal eating and drinking after getting a dental filling. However, it's advisable to avoid very hot or cold foods and beverages until any post-operative sensitivity subsides.
Yes, tooth-colored composite fillings are a popular alternative to traditional amalgam fillings. Composite fillings are made to match the color of the natural teeth, providing a more aesthetically pleasing result.
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