A sharp pain in the tooth when drinking hot beverages or coffee can be a sign of sensitivity. But if this pain is accompanied by a tiny dark hole or spot in the tooth, it requires immediate dental attention.
While dental problems include sensitivity, cracked teeth, broken teeth, and many others, they mainly originate from cavities, common dental issues among children and adults. Fortunately, there is always a solution to this.
Dental filling is a restorative dentistry option that can help restore healthy teeth, boost confidence, and improve your smile. So, if you need tooth restoration, read further to learn about the different types of tooth filling, the treatment procedure, and the benefits of getting it to improve your oral health.
What Is a Dental Filling?
Dental fillings are an effective tooth restoration treatment for minor and moderate tooth cavities. In general, they help repair tooth decay, and dentists carry out this treatment by filling in the areas of decay or damage, returning the teeth to their normal function and appearance. To prevent further damage to the tooth, the dentist recommends proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups to monitor the tooth’s condition.
Some people get dental fillings for cosmetic purposes, to help close gaps between teeth or cover stains. However, the primary focus of this treatment is to repair teeth damaged due to cracks, decay, or fractures.
Types of Dental Fillings
Dentists use various materials to fill cavities, and here are the most popular options.
Ceramic
The ceramic option is a top choice if you want a discreet custom tooth restoration treatment. It has a tooth-colored finish that adults like and is a long-lasting procedure compared to other dental fillers. This treatment is outstanding because it rarely picks up stains in the long term.
Ceramic dental filling is also durable for up to 15 years. However, it might be an expensive treatment. So, if you cannot afford it, you can try other dental filling alternatives like metal, composite, or resin dental fillings. You must know that this restorative treatment approach requires more than one session with your dentist.
Composite Resin
Tooth filling with composite resin is another restorative dentistry option, composed of plastic resin and a powdered glass surface.
Sometimes, dentists use the composite resin to design dental veneers or treat minor cracks and chips. However, it is a popular option for dental filling because it is strong, aesthetically pleasing, and crafted to match the color and shape of the surrounding tooth. The problem with composite resin is that it is less durable than other dental filling alternatives. So, you may need to replace them occasionally during the treatment.
Amalgam
Amalgam was once the most widely used treatment material for dental filling. It combines metals, including silver, copper, mercury, and silver, to create a strong and long-lasting filling material for tooth restoration.
This dental filling material is often called a silver filling because of the silver in the combination. It is also less expensive and an excellent option for those who cannot afford cavity-filling materials like ceramic and composite resin.
Because of their noticeable appearance, amalgam fillings are often reserved for molars, where they are less conspicuous when speaking or smiling. This tooth-filling material might concern those prioritizing their health because it contains mercury, a hazardous metal. However, according to the American Dental Association, the minimal mercury in amalgam fillings does not threaten health.
Glass Ionomer
Glass ionomer fillings are relatively new to the dental market. Their aesthetic simplicity and tooth color appearance make them a perfect alternative to traditional options like composite resin filling material. They also provide a faster tooth restoration process, making them an attractive choice for people with busy schedules.
One of the primary benefits of glass ionomer is its fluoride content, which protects against tooth decay. The disadvantage of this filler material is that it has a short lifespan of five years and cannot withstand heavy chewing pressure like molars.
What Procedure Is Involved in Dental Filling?
Here is a breakdown of what to expect during a dental filling appointment:
- Diagnostic Assessment: To begin, your dentist will conduct a thorough examination of your teeth, including X-rays, to accurately determine the extent of tooth decay and develop a treatment plan.
- Numbing the Affected Area: To make the experience as comfortable as possible, your dentist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area, allowing you to relax.
- Decay Removal: With the affected area numbed, your dentist will carefully remove the decayed tooth with advanced dental tools and prepare the tooth to create a strong foundation for the filling.
- Cleaning the Cavity for Filling: After removing the decay, your dentist will clean the cavity to remove residual bacteria, eliminate the risk of infection, and provide a healthy environment for the filling.
- Layering the Filling: Your dentist will insert the filling material you want in the prepared cavity. For composite filling, the material is built up in thin layers, and each layer is hardened using a precise light-curing process to ensure a long-lasting restoration.
- Polishing and Shaping: To finish the procedure, your dentist will shape the filling to match your surrounding tooth structure to ensure a natural appearance and comfortable bite.
To ensure the longevity of your new dental filling, your dentist will offer personalized tips and advice on proper maintenance and care to help you maintain a healthy smile.
Benefits of Tooth Fillings
- Dental Filling Protects Against Future Decay: Fillings effectively create a barrier that blocks the invasion of bacteria and safeguards the tooth from further damage.
- Filling Prevents Tooth Decay: Cavity fillings prevent the spread of bacteria and help maintain tooth function by sealing the tooth.
- Cavity Filling Returns Tooth to Normal: Dental fillings restore the tooth’s natural shape and improve speaking, eating, and oral function.
- Dental Fillings are Cosmetically Appealing: Tooth-filling materials like ceramic and composite resin are crafted to blend with the natural tooth, ensuring a balanced and beautiful smile.
Conclusion
Treating tooth decay with dental fillings is a highly effective solution, but addressing the issue on time is essential. Visiting your dentist at the first sign of impending damage due to cavities can significantly improve treatment outcomes. Your dentist will catch the decay early, preventing extensive and costly procedures down the line. So, schedule your dental check-up immediately and take the first step towards a healthier, happier smile.
