Dental Filling
A dental filling is considered one of the most commonly performed dental treatments. Most of the people have at least a single cavity in their entire life, but still many of them feel terrified even at the thought of an appointment. To treat a cavity, the dentist would remove the decayed portion of the tooth and “fill” up the area where it had been removed. The fillings are even used to make good cracked or broken teeth that have been worn down by misuse like nail-biting or teeth grinding.
When does one require a filling
There are various reasons one may require a dental filling. During a routine dental checkup, the dentist would be in a position to determine if an individual has a cavity or any other problem which may be repaired with the help of a dental filling. The popular reasons which need filling are mentioned below:
- CRACKS. A crack in the tooth enamel must be treated before decay or any infection develops inside the tooth.
- CHIPS Minor chips in the tooth enamel can be repaired with the help of a dental filling.
- WORN ENAMEL The dental filling aids to restore the strength and health of the worn-down teeth.
- CAVITIES This is one of the most popular reasons that most of the people need a filling
Process of Tooth filling
- Removal of the decaying part with the help of a drill, or a needlepoint, depending on the size
- The dentist applies Adhesive on the tooth surface to prepares it for the filling material.
- Photopolymerisation of the adhesive layer, for almost 10 sec.
- Setting up a special composite to the hole.
- Building up the interproximal wall of the hole.
- The dentist puts a layer of filling in the hole. It has the same color as the teeth.
- The actual tooth filling starts. The dentists begin to fill out of layers,
- The dentist works on polishing the final surface of the filling to give finishing touches to the teeth
FAQs
A Tooth filling is required, if the enamel of the teeth is injured, which is generally caused due to tooth decay. When the tooth is chipped or frayed, the dentist even solves this problem with the help of tooth filling.
In the current scenario, there are several dental filling materials available in the market. Teeth can be filled by using various options such as
- Porcelain
- Gold
- Silver amalgam (that is made of mercury blended with tin, zinc, silver, and copper)
- Plastic, or material is known as composite resin fillings. There is even a material that contains glass particles, known as glass . This kind of material is used in similar ways like the use of composite resin fillings.
It is a good idea to visit a dentist if an individual has any one of these issues or see a child having trouble while chewing the food or complaining of soreness:
- Swollen face or gums
- Mouth sores
- Redness
- Jaw pain
- Tooth sensitivity
- Dry mouth
- Broken teeth
- Bleeding gums
- Bad breath or a bad taste