Dental Fillings
Dental fillings are essential for the restoration of teeth affected by cavities. They serve to “fill” the damaged or decayed portions of a tooth, effectively restoring its structure and function. Various materials are available for fillings, including traditional amalgam and more aesthetically pleasing options such as composite resin and porcelain. The longevity of these fillings can vary significantly based on the material chosen, with some types capable of enduring for as long as two decades.
What are dental fillings?
Dental fillings represent a crucial aspect of restorative dentistry, employed by dental professionals to address issues such as cavities or to mend small chips and fractures in teeth. These fillings are commonly referred to by various names, including tooth fillings, cavity fillings, and dental restorations. The latter term encompasses a broader spectrum of treatments aimed at restoring dental health, including fillings, inlays, onlays, bridges, and crowns. It is advisable for patients to discuss the available treatment options with their dentist, allowing the dentist to assess individual circumstances and recommend the most suitable type of dental filling for their specific needs.
Types of dental fillings
There exists a variety of dental filling types, which can be broadly classified into two main categories: direct fillings and indirect fillings.
Direct fillings are those that dentists can fabricate and apply directly within the patient’s mouth, eliminating the need for a dental laboratory or the use of temporary restorations. This process typically requires only a single visit to the dental office. The materials commonly used for direct fillings include amalgam, which is a silver-coloured substance composed of mercury combined with silver, tin, zinc, and copper; resin composite, which is a tooth-coloured option made from a resin base mixed with powdered quartz, silica, or glass; and glass ionomer, another tooth-coloured material that consists of silica glass powder.
Indirect fillings are dental restorations crafted by a dental technician in a laboratory setting prior to being placed in the patient’s mouth by the dentist. Typically, the process involves two visits to the dental office: the first visit is dedicated to taking precise dental impressions, while the second visit focuses on the actual placement of the restoration. However, suppose the dentist employs CAD/CAM (computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing) technology. In that case, it is possible to complete both the design and placement of the indirect filling within a single appointment, enhancing convenience for the patient.
Among the various types of indirect fillings, inlays and onlays are particularly prevalent. These restorations are utilised when a tooth has sustained significant damage that precludes the use of a standard filling yet does not require the extensive coverage provided by a dental crown. Inlays and onlays are designed to fit seamlessly into the existing tooth structure, resembling a small puzzle piece that restores both function and aesthetics. The materials commonly used for these indirect fillings include gold, which is characterised by its metallic hue and is composed of a blend of gold with other metals such as silver, tin, copper, or palladium, and porcelain, which is tooth-coloured and made from a combination of minerals including feldspar, quartz, and kaolin.
What happens during a dental filling procedure?
During a dental filling procedure, the specific steps may differ based on the type of filling material utilised and the individual circumstances of the patient. Generally, the process begins with the dentist administering local anaesthesia to numb the affected tooth, ensuring that the patient remains comfortable throughout the procedure. Following this, the dentist carefully removes any damaged or decayed tissue from the tooth using specialised dental instruments, effectively cleaning the area that requires repair.
Once the cavity is prepared, the dentist fills the space with the chosen dental filling material, which may include options such as amalgam, composite resin, or gold. If a resin composite is used, a dental curing light is then applied to harden the material, ensuring a durable and long-lasting repair. After the filling is in place, the dentist polishes and smooths any rough edges to enhance comfort and aesthetics.
Finally, the dentist checks the patient’s bite to confirm that it feels normal and balanced. For those who experience anxiety about dental visits, it is advisable to inquire about sedation options, as sedation dentistry can significantly alleviate stress and promote a more comfortable experience during the procedure.
