Dental filling or restoration is a technique that uses special materials to fill teeth and to restore those that are damaged to their normal function, in form and integrity. A structural and functional loss can result from dental infection or external trauma.
How do you know when dental filler is needed?
Only your local dentist can determine if one or more of your teeth are damaged and if a filling is needed. During a review, they will examine the surface of each tooth with a small mirror. When something looks abnormal, your dentist will perform an X-ray of the suspicious area to check and evaluate the extent of the damage.According to Greene Vardiman Black (the father of modern dentistry), tooth decay and restoration can be classified based on location and size as follows:
- Class I: Affects the molars and fissures of molars and premolars.
- Class II: Affects the proximal surfaces of premolars and molars.
- Class III: Affects the proximal surfaces of the anterior teeth (central incisors, lateral incisors and canines) that do not involve incisal angles.
- Class IV: Affects both proximal surfaces and incisal angles of the anterior teeth.
- Class V: Affects the gingiva 1/3 of the vestibular or lingual surface of all teeth (except pit and fissure lesions).
- Class VI: Affects the incisal edge of the molars, premolars and canines.
Types of dental filling
There are different materials that can be used for dental filling, such as gold, silver amalgam, porcelain (ceramic), colored plastic called composite resin filler, and a glass ionomer.Depending on the location and extent of the damaged tooth, as well as the cost of the materials, your Currimundi dentist will recommend the right type of dental filler for you.
Gold fillings
Advantages
- Durability: can last at least 10-15 years.
- Strength: can withstand the force of chewing.
- Cosmetics: varies for each individual, some people prefer gold over silver.
Disadvantages
- More expensive than other materials (up to 10 times more expensive than the cost of silver amalgam).
Silver amalgam fillings
It consists of mercury (50%), silver (22-23%), tin (14%), copper (8%), and other metals.Advantages
- Durability: can last at least 10-15 years
- Strength: can withstand the force of chewing
- Cosmetics: does not have the color of a natural tooth
Disadvantages
- Discoloration: the amalgam fillings can cause a grayish color in the gums and surrounding the structure of the tooth
- Cracks or fractures of the tooth: Although the teeth are capable of extending or contracting as a result of cold or hot temperatures, the amalgam material has a greater degree of expansion and contraction compared to other filling materials, which leads to an increased risk of cracks and fractures when the temperature fluctuates.
- Allergic reactions.
Composite resin fillings of tooth color
Advantages
- Cosmetic: Has the color and shade like a natural tooth (particularly important when the fillings of the front teeth are needed).
- Strong adhesion to the tooth: composite fillers can adhere firmly to the tooth structure through chemical reactions and provide more support for the tooth.
- It can be used to fix the cracked, broken or worn out teeth.
Disadvantages
- Less durable compared to amalgam (usually lasts for 5 years only).
- You cannot stand the force of chewing.
- More time is required for the procedure to be completed.
Porcelain fillings
- Made of ceramic
- More durable than composite resin, it can last at least 15 years.
- The cost is similar to that of gold fillings.
- Veneer: is a thin layer of ceramic that can be placed on a tooth to replace or cover the surface of the tooth.
Steps to follow during a dental filling:
- The area around the tooth to be filled is numbed with the use of local anesthesia.
- The dentist uses a special instrument to pierce and remove the decayed area of ​​that tooth.
- The dentist will examine the damaged tooth once more to make sure that the entire decayed area has been removed before the cavity is cleaned and sterilized.
- After the tooth is free of bacteria and debris, a filling material will be placed.
- Next, a special light is used to harden the recently applied filler.
- Finally, after the filling, the dentist will trim any excess material and polish the final filling.
Recommendations:
- Prevention is better than cure. Good oral hygiene is crucial.
- Rinse the mouth immediately after eating.
- Use the brush and floss every day. Have a routine dental checkup.
- Have a routine of cleaning the teeth by a dentist.
