With the help of a filling, a tooth that has been weakened by decay can regain its normal function and appearance. A filling is a process by which a dentist removes decaying tooth material, cleans the region, and then fills the space with filling material.
A filling helps prevent additional decay by eliminating any openings that can be used by germs to colonise the tooth. Gold, porcelain, composite resin (sometimes known as tooth-coloured fillings), and amalgam are all examples of materials that can be used for fillings (an alloy of mercury, silver, copper, tin and sometimes zinc).
Which Filling Material Is Ideal?
There is no one perfect choice when it comes to filling. The amount of damage, whether or not you have any sensitivities to certain materials, the location in your mouth where the dental fillings is required, and the cost will all play a role. Considerations to take into account for the various materials are as follows:
Gold fillings
Gold fillings are fabricated to the patient’s specifications in a laboratory and are then bonded into place. Gold inlays are safe for the gum tissues to endure and have a potential lifespan of over 20 years. Due to these factors, many industry experts believe gold to be the superior material for fillings. Nevertheless, it is often the option that costs the most and involves many separate trips.
Amalgam Fillings
Amalgam (silver) fillings are resistant to wear and reasonably affordable. However, because of the dark colour of the restorations, they are more obvious than porcelain or composite restorations, and as a result, they are not used in very visible regions, per se front teeth.
Composite Fillings
Because composite (plastic) resins can be shade-matched to the colour of the patient’s teeth, they are often used in situations in which a natural look is required.
After the components are combined, they are put straight into the cavity, which is then left to solidify. Because of their susceptibility to chipping and wear over time, composites may not be the best material for big fills. Additionally, they are susceptible to discolouration from beverages like coffee, tea, or cigarettes, and they do not last as long as other kinds of white fillings, which typically range from three to ten years.
Porcelain Fillings
Fillings made of porcelain are referred to as inlays or onlays, and they are fabricated to the customer’s specifications in a laboratory before being glued to the tooth. They are stain resistant and can be made to match the shade of the patient’s natural teeth. In most cases, a porcelain restoration will cover the majority of the tooth.
If a significant section of the tooth has been destroyed due to decay or a fracture, a crown, also known as a cap, may be prescribed. Both root canal therapy, in which the affected nerve is removed, and a technique termed pulp capping are two treatment options for decay that has reached the nerve. Root canal therapy involves removing the damaged nerve (which attempts to keep the nerve alive).
What Should You Expect After Getting a Filling?
When deciding whether or not to fill a cavity, your dentist will first remove the decay and clean the region that is damaged by the cavity. Following the completion of the cleaning process, the void will be refilled with one of the several materials that were previously outlined.
What Are the Signs For The Need Of Filling?
Your dentist is the only one who can determine whether you have a hole in your tooth that has to be filled. In the course of a check-up, your dentist will make use of a compact mirror to evaluate the facets of each individual tooth. The next step will include using specialised equipment to investigate anything that seems out of the ordinary. In addition, your dentist could take X-rays of your whole mouth or just a specific area of it. Your dentist’s choice of treatment will be based on the severity of the damage that decay has already done to your teeth.
Wrapping Up
Fillings are one of the most pleasant treatments for dental decay that may be received. When completed correctly, fillings can stay in place for a considerable amount of time. It goes without saying that the patient is responsible for their own dental hygiene. In some circumstances, it is best to steer clear of foods that are very tough or sticky. The longevity of anything is also determined by the quality of the filling and treatment. Talk about getting dental fillings with your dentist at Super Smile Dental so that you can cure tooth decay and prevent further damage.