Dental fillings are a common dental procedure used to restore teeth damaged by decay or wear. While many people associate fillings with chewing surfaces, it is possible to receive a filling on the side of a tooth. This approach addresses damage in areas not always visible but equally important for maintaining oral health.
Side Tooth Fillings Explained
The “side” of a tooth refers to several distinct surfaces, each susceptible to damage. These include interproximal surfaces (between adjacent teeth), cervical areas (near the gum line), and buccal (cheek side) and lingual (tongue side) surfaces. All these areas can require restorative treatment.
Dental professionals manage these areas, which require specialized techniques due to their anatomy and proximity to other teeth or gum tissue. Treating them preserves the overall structure and function of the tooth.
Reasons for Damage on Tooth Sides
Damage to tooth sides often arises from dental decay, or cavities. Interproximal decay frequently forms between teeth because these tight spaces trap plaque and food debris, making them difficult to clean effectively. Decay also develops along the gum line where plaque accumulation is common, leading to cavities in the cervical region.
Beyond decay, non-carious lesions can also necessitate side fillings. Dental erosion, caused by acidic exposure from diet or gastric reflux, can dissolve tooth enamel and dentin on any surface, including the sides. Abrasion, wear from mechanical forces like aggressive brushing or teeth grinding, can also create notches or defects on side surfaces, particularly near the gum line.
Filling Options and Placement Techniques
For side tooth fillings, composite resin is a common material due to its aesthetic qualities and ability to bond directly to tooth structure. It can be color-matched to the natural tooth, making it suitable for visible areas. Glass ionomer cement is another option, useful near the gum line because it releases fluoride, which helps prevent further decay. While dental amalgam was historically used, it is now less common for side surfaces, especially visible ones, due to its metallic appearance.
Placing side fillings presents unique technical considerations. Proper isolation from saliva and moisture is important for bonding materials like composite resin. Access to these often-restricted areas can be challenging, requiring specific instruments and techniques to remove damaged tissue and place the restorative material accurately. For interproximal fillings, ensuring the correct anatomical contour and contact point with the adjacent tooth is important to prevent food impaction and promote gum health.
The Filling Process and Aftercare
The procedure for a side tooth filling begins with local anesthetic to numb the area and ensure patient comfort. Once numb, the dental professional removes decayed or damaged tooth structure using dental instruments. The tooth is then prepared for the filling material, which may involve etching and bonding agents for strong adhesion with composite resins.
The chosen filling material is then placed into the prepared cavity, shaped to restore natural contour, and hardened. For composite resin fillings, a special curing light rapidly hardens the material. Following the procedure, patients might experience some temporary sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, which usually subsides in a few days. Maintaining good oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing, is important for the filling’s longevity and to prevent further issues.