The restorative material used to fill a dental cavity caused by tooth decay or to replace part of a chipped or broken tooth. Dental fillings are placed in partially decayed or broken teeth after the decay has been removed, and the teeth have been cleaned and prepared by a dentist. The fillings may be composed of silver amalgam or of tooth-colored materials, made of dental composite or ceramic. The filling material is determined by the dentist based on a number of factors. Amalgam fillings are considered the most durable and may be the preferred choice for the biting surfaces of the back teeth. Composite fillings can be matched to the natural tooth color and offer a more acceptable appearance than amalgam fillings on the front teeth. Initially, composite fillings may be sensitive to extremes in temperature, and they may discolor more readily with tobacco or staining beverages such as coffee, tea, and red wine. Ceramic fillings are generally used in larger areas where teeth need to be restored. They are typically fabricated as dental inlays or on-lays in a dental laboratory and require more complex procedures than amalgam or composite fillings. They offer the natural appearance of composite, but are more durable and less likely to become discolored. Ceramics are the most expensive option in filling material.
This refers to the procedure of substituting a decayed or broken part of a tooth with a non-reactive substance. The term can also denote the restorative material used in the process itself.
Amalgam, a durable combination of silver, mercury, and other metals, is frequently utilized for the back teeth. Some people believe that small quantities of mercury released from these fillings can lead to health issues. However, a scientifically proven connection has not yet been established.
In the case of a chipped front tooth, a process known as bonding might be utilized. This procedure involves attaching a tooth-colored material, made of plastic or porcelain, to the tooth’s surface.
When tooth enamel is damaged, bacteria can penetrate the underlying dentine and, ultimately, reach the pulp, which houses blood vessels and nerves, leading to the death of the tooth. Therefore, at the first sign of damage, teeth are, where feasible, repaired to prevent decay. The filling not only reinstates the tooth’s original shape, which is crucial for aesthetics, but also ensures a proper bite.
If a large restoration or one in a delicate region is needed, the dentist administers a local anesthetic to numb the surrounding gum tissue. The dentist then removes any soft, decayed substance using precision tools. For eliminating harder debris and fashioning a cavity that can securely accommodate the filling, a high-speed drill is employed. As the dentist carries out the procedure, a suction tube is positioned in the patient’s mouth to not only remove saliva but also generate water to cool the drill’s tip.
If the tooth pulp is nearly exposed, the base of the cavity is covered with a soothing paste to shield the sensitive pulp from pressure and temperature fluctuations. In cases where one or more of the tooth’s walls have been eroded extensively due to decay, a steel band might be installed around the tooth to provide structural support for the filling. Next, the dentist prepares the amalgam or other chosen filling substance, and packs it into the carved cavity, ensuring the surface is smooth. This material will take about 24 hours to fully solidify.
Amalgam fillings typically have a lifespan of around ten years, after which they might require replacement. Sometimes, however, they may need to be replaced earlier if the tooth decay progresses beneath the filling or if the filling itself becomes dislodged or cracks.