Dental Fillings
What is Dental Filling?
Dental filling is a standard procedure to repair and restore teeth damaged by decay or cavities. The process consists of replacing decayed tooth material with a restorative material. It returns a tooth to normal functioning and shape and prevents further damage.
Why does one need Dental Filling?
The need for dental filling arises when tooth decay progresses beyond the initial stages. If left untreated, the decay may hamper day-to-day activities like eating, drinking, and speaking, as constant pain and sensitivity will be experienced. Getting the procedure done as soon as the diagnosis is made ensures the protection of natural tooth structure and oral health.
What is the procedure for Dental Filling?
The dental filling procedure typically involves the following steps:
- Numbing: A dentist will give you a local anaesthetic to numb the area around your bad tooth before filling it. This makes the treatment process hurtless.
- Removal of decay: The dentist will use special dental tools to gently remove the decayed part of your tooth. This step is to get rid of bacteria and stop more rotting.
- Tooth preparation: When the rot is removed, a dentist will change its shape to make room for fillings. This means making the area neat and getting rid of all junk.
- Filling placement: The filling material is put in the readied space. The dentist carefully shapes the filling to match our tooth’s natural appearance.
- Bonding and polishing: The dentist may use a special glue called a bonding agent. This helps the filling material stick to your tooth safely and efficiently. Lastly, the filling is smoothed out to look natural and smooth.
Types of Dental Fillings
There are various types of dental fillings, each with its unique characteristics:
- Amalgam Fillings: Made using a variety of metals. They are one of the most robust and most conservative filling materials.
- Composite Fillings: Comprising of a tooth-like resin, composite fillings match well to natural teeth, thus giving an aesthetic appearance and no evidence that one has had some oral procedure.
- Gold Fillings: Since they are very durable to tarnish, they make an excellent, long-lasting option. This would be the ideal choice for someone out there who is looking to get quality filings without worrying much about money.
- Porcelain Fillings: These are specially prepared to appear in natural tooth shade with solid resistance and an aesthetically pleasing look.
Post Treatment Care for Dental Fillings
Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial after getting dental fillings. Follow these post-treatment care tips:
- Gentle Brushing: You should brush your teeth gently so as not to cause any stress on the new filling.
- Floss Daily: Regular flossing prevents plaque deposition and maintains general oral health.
- Say No to Hard Candy: Avoid hard and sticky foods, which may break the filling.
- Be Cautious with Hot and Cold: Sensitivity is initially expected, but avoid extreme temperatures.
- Regular Check-ups: Arrange frequent dental check-ups to identify problems at an early stage.
- Watch Your Bites: Make sure you chew carefully- if anything hurts or feels different.
- No DIY Fixes: Avoid self-adjusting the filling and seek advice from the dentist regarding any complaints.
FAQs Related to Dental Fillings
The procedure is done under the influence of local anaesthesia, and any pain later on is minor.
The longevity of a filling depends on the material used, but with due care, it can last many years.
Yes, particularly in the case of composite and porcelain fillings, the dentist would match the color with that of your natural teeth so that they blend perfectly.
Sometimes suggested alternatives may be dental bonding or inlays on lays.