It is difficult to maintain good dental health when you have dental cavities. They keep decaying the tooth that either needs to be removed or need some of the complex treatment processes like a root canal. Losing a tooth is one of the last options dental experts consider when they are not able to save the teeth by either root canal.
The treatment like a root canal is painful and involves cleaning of the tooth pulp. So, one of the most preferred solutions by the dentist to many patients is Dental fillings. The further decay of the teeth can be avoided easily with dental fillings.
What are dental fillings?
Dental fillings are the procedure to do the necessary treatment for tooth decay. Here, the cavity-laden part of the teeth is removed by drilling, and a proper dental material is put in the empty space. Generally, dental fillings are found to be safer for tooth decay. This treatment helps to avoid further cavity spread on the whole tooth.
What is the procedure for dental fillings?
A proper assessment will be done by the dentist to check the area of the tooth that has developed a cavity. The area of the tooth will be numbed by giving proper anesthesia. The decayed portion on the tooth is then removed by drilling in that area.
The dentist will make a thorough inspection of the tooth whether all the cavity is removed from the tooth. After inspection of the teeth, the dentist will prepare appropriate space in the tooth for dental fillings.
A liner will be put on the space to protect the nerve properly. After doing the appropriate fillings, a gentle polishing will be done on the outer surface of the teeth.
What are different types of dental fillings?
1. Amalgam fillings
These dental fillings are mainly made of mercury and different other materials. Amalgam fillings are also called silver fillings. These fillings have very nice durability and strength which suits properly for the molars. Generally, the Amalgam fillings cannot be used for the front teeth as it will not look aesthetically nice.
2. Composite fillings
These dental fillings are made of the acrylics and other powdered glass-like materials. Composite fillings are also called tooth-colored fillings. These fillings resemble the color of the natural teeth that makes it suitable to put in the front tooth too. It can give an aesthetically nice look for the person.
What does indirect filling mean?
Indirect fillings are similar to that of composite fillings, only difference is that they are made in the dental laboratory. When the tooth structure is not enough that can support the fillings and still can be prevented without damage then the indirect fillings are done. A proper impression is taken to ensure that the indirect filling is done appropriately. Here, the temporary filling is done to check whether it fits properly.
The two major types of indirect fillings are:
- Inlays – Here the filling is done majorly on the upper surface where the chewing of food is done.
- Onlays – Onlays covers a major portion of the tooth that covers a wider area of the tooth.
Does it pain after dental fillings?
Some pain is definitely felt during the dental fillings treatment. The injection of the local anesthic also causes some pain in the gums. The drilling activity of the dentist for cleaning the cavity is painful too while dental fillings.
If you feel more pain while the treatment pressure, inform the dentist to make the treatment comfortable. Some jaw pain can be there as the mouth needs to be kept open for a longer duration.
Can a permanent tooth filling stay for a lifetime?
A dental filling surely remains for a longer duration. The dental material used for the filling matters a lot for the durability of the tooth fillings. A person also needs to take care while eating hard food items that can ensure longer durability. A better quality treatment ensures longer durability of the treatment.
Which is the best filling for teeth?
The type of filling can be done as per the preference of the patient. The quality and cost matter while making the choice for the treatment.
Are there any potential risks with dental fillings?
There are hardly some risks involved in dental fillings.
Here are some risks involved in dental fillings:
- New cavity development around the tooth.
- Allergic problems can cause complications in the treatment.
- Shrinking or expansion of the dental fillings.
- Some amount of teeth sensitivit
y.
What are the benefits of dental fillings?
- Avoids further tooth decay and prevents the tooth.
- Durability of tooth decay can ensure proper dental health.
- Proper tooth bonding.
- Improving the aesthetic look of dental health.
Dental fillings are one of the nice treatments for tooth decay. Discuss with the dentist to get the proper dental fillings for tooth decay treatment.
Expert's Opinions
- Dr. Jena Shah Dental Director of Sabka dentist says "Tooth decay is one of the important dental problems that must be treated. Dental experts suggest dental fillings as one of the better ways to deal with tooth decay. Amalgam fillings and Composite fillings are the two major treatments. Dental fillings are a long-term solution for tooth decay treatment."