If fillings are required, there is an option to choose between traditional amalgam fillings and aesthetic dental fillings.
The advantage of amalgam fillings is that they are inexpensive; their preparation is simpler and faster than that of aesthetic fillings. The disadvantage is that they are less aesthetic and conduct heat and electricity. For aesthetic fillings dentists use a composite that binds when exposed to light. They can be used both for molars and teeth in the front.
There are various signs and symptoms where fillings can be required. The symptoms could be as below:
A hole in your tooth
Dark spots on the tooth
Food stuck between certain areas of the teeth
Chipped or broken tooth
Sensitivity to hot and cold food and beverage
Single or multiple cavities
Dental Filling is normally required if your tooth is decayed. It can prevent further damage and can protect your tooth.
The very first step in this process is to see how severe the infected tooth is. This is because Dental Filling is only suitable for minor fractures and decay
The dentist then examines the tooth and if required an X-ray would be done for precise information
Depending upon the extent of decay, local anesthesia is administered to make the area around
the infected tooth numb
Then the decayed or damaged tooth or the areas around it is prepared for restoration
If the tooth is damaged, then a dental handpiece or a laser can be used to remove the damaged part
A filling is then applied to the area to fill the cavity. The type of filling will depend upon case to case and person to person
Finally, the finished tooth can be polished to conclude the dental filling procedure
Dental Fillings are of various types. The type of filling to be used will depend upon the condition of decay and other factors such as a person being allergic to a material. The different type of fillings available are:
This old age filling is long lasting. In this type, Silver Filling is comparatively inexpensive. But gold though expensive is a preferred choice. Because they can withstand chewing forces and last usually from 10-15 years.
These are the most researched and widely used by dental professionals since quite long now. They are made of several metals combined and therefore, they have high strength.
Dental amalgam is a mixture of metals, consisting of liquid (elemental) mercury and a powdered alloy composed of silver, tin, and copper. Approximately half (50%) of dental amalgam is elemental mercury by weight. The chemical properties of elemental mercury allow it to react with and bind together the silver/copper/tin alloy particles to form an amalgam.
These are of the same color as your teeth. These are preferred if a person does not want their filing to be seen. It is recommended & suitable for front teeth. It bonds well with the tooth structure. It is also used for a chipped tooth, however, does not last long as compared to metal and amalgam filling and can also wear off with time.
The porcelain filling is best suited if you have serious aesthetic concerns. These cover most part of the tooth, as a result, can be used if the decay is large enough. This long-lasting filling does not stain or wear off easily.
Ceramic fillings are usually made from porcelain, and less likely to stain over time compared to composite fillings. Ceramic fillings are tough and tend to last for at least 15 years, so while they cost more, they are a good investment.
Before you start chewing, make sure that the anesthesia is worn off
Do not consume anything too hot or too cold if the effect of anesthesia is still on
You might feel soreness around your gum area, this will last only for a few days
Avoid hard or sticky food for a few days
If you have a habit of grinding your teeth, then make sure you use a mouthguard to protect your filling
If you feel sensitivity for too long or if your dental fillings come out, visit your dentist immediately
Maintain a good Oral Hygiene routine like cleaning, brushing, mouthwash & flossing
