WHAT IS DENTAL FILLING?
WHAT IS DENTAL FILLING?
Dental Filling is a treatment modality to restore missing
tooth structure which could have been a result of decay or trauma.
Decay makes tooth hollow. Dental Filling helps to fill this gap and protect it
from further decay. A filling is also used to repair broken or cracked tooth
and the teeth which wear off due to dental habits like teeth grinding, nail
biting etc.
BEFORE & AFTER
PICTURE GALLERY
A TOOTH-COLOURED FILLING
BEFORE
SILVER FILLINGS REPLACED WITH COMPOSITE
BEFORE
ANTERIOR DECAY
BEFORE
BROKEN TOOTH
WHEN DOES ONE NEED
DENTAL FILLING?
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
If you come
across any of the symptoms as mentioned above, then there is a chance that you
need a filling. The final decision will be of your dentist after a thorough
oral examination.
WHAT IS THE
PROCEDURE OF DENTAL FILLING?
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
CONSEQUENCES OF NOT
GETTING A DENTAL FILLING DONE
If you have
decay, then it is extremely important to get Fillings done because if the
treatment is not done on time then slowly the enamel (outer part of teeth)
start decaying exposing the dentin (the hard part below the enamel). The
bacteria in your mouth will come in contact with dentin, causing infection.
Once the infection starts, you will feel sensitivity and will then want to get
Fillings done. But if you skip this part and do not get the treatment done on
time, then the infection will reach to the nerve which will eventually damage
the tooth and then one needs to undergo a Root Canal Treatment. You are also at risk of the infection traveling
to the adjacent tooth making it prone to decay.
TYPES OF DENTAL
FILLINGS
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:
Metal
Filling
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.
Amalgam
Filling
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.
Composite
Filling
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.
Porcelain
/ Ceramic Filling
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.
POST TREATMENT CARE
FOR DENTAL FILLING
· 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
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q.1. How Long Does A Dental Filling
Last?
The longevity of Dental Filling depends upon the material of the
filling. It also depends on how well you take care of your filling. The life of
Dental Filling varies from 10 years to 20 years.
Q.2. Can Dental Filling Fall Off?
Yes, but the chances are rare.
Q.3. What To Do If Your Fillings Come
Out?
Visit your dentist as soon as your Dental Filling comes out.
Q.4. How To Know That Dental Filling Is
Loose?
If you have sensitivity even after getting the filling done, then it is
likely that your filling is about to come off. Or if you feel pressure while
eating or have a constant toothache then the chances of it coming off is high.
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