Dental fillings are a common restorative treatment used to repair teeth damaged by decay. They restore the tooth’s structure and function, preventing further deterioration and maintaining oral health.
Why a Filling Becomes Necessary
Fillings primarily address tooth decay, commonly known as cavities. This process begins when bacteria in the mouth feed on sugars, producing acids that attack the tooth’s hard outer layer, the enamel. This causes it to lose minerals in a process called demineralization. If this mineral loss continues, the enamel weakens and eventually breaks down, forming a cavity.
If left untreated, these cavities can grow larger, extending deeper into the tooth’s inner layers like the softer dentin. This progression can lead to increased tooth sensitivity, pain, and potentially infection of the tooth’s pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. Untreated decay can also result in significant tooth damage or even tooth loss, making prompt treatment important to restore the tooth’s integrity.
Available Filling Materials
Several materials are available for dental fillings, each with distinct properties:
- Amalgam fillings, often called “silver” fillings, are made from a mixture of metals, including mercury, silver, tin, and copper. They are known for their durability, cost-effectiveness, and ability to withstand chewing forces, making them suitable for molars, though their metallic appearance is noticeable.
- Composite resin fillings are a tooth-colored option, composed of a plastic and finely ground glass particle mixture. These fillings blend with the natural tooth color, offering an aesthetic advantage, and bond directly to the tooth structure, providing additional support. However, they may be less durable than amalgam and can be susceptible to staining.
- Porcelain or ceramic fillings are custom-made in a laboratory and bonded to the tooth. These are highly aesthetic, matching the tooth’s natural color, and are resistant to staining and wear.
- Glass ionomer fillings, made from acrylic and a special glass material, can release fluoride, which helps protect the tooth from further decay. They are tooth-colored but are generally less durable than other options.
The Filling Process
The process of placing a dental filling begins with a thorough examination to assess the extent of the decay, often involving X-rays. Once a cavity is identified, the dentist will numb the area around the affected tooth using a local anesthetic, usually applied after a topical numbing gel. This ensures comfort throughout the procedure, as patients typically only feel pressure or vibrations rather than pain.
Next, the dentist uses a dental drill or other specialized instruments to carefully remove the decayed or damaged tooth material. This step is important to eliminate all bacteria and compromised tooth structure while preserving as much healthy tooth as possible. After the decay is removed, the prepared area is thoroughly cleaned to remove any remaining debris or bacteria. For composite fillings, an acid gel may be applied to slightly etch the tooth surface, creating microscopic pores that enhance the bonding of the filling material.
The chosen filling material is then applied to fill the prepared cavity. For composite resin fillings, the material is applied in layers, and each layer is hardened with a special curing light. This layering and light-curing process ensures the material bonds securely and achieves optimal strength. Finally, the dentist meticulously shapes the filling to match the tooth’s natural contours and ensure proper bite alignment. The filling is then polished to create a smooth surface, which contributes to comfort and helps prevent future plaque accumulation.
What to Expect After a Filling
After a dental filling, it is common to experience some temporary sensitivity in the treated tooth. This sensitivity might manifest as a reaction to hot or cold temperatures, air, or pressure when biting down. Typically, this discomfort is mild and subsides within a few days to a couple of weeks as the tooth adjusts to the new filling.
Patients are generally advised to be gentle with the filled tooth immediately after the procedure. It is often recommended to wait until the local anesthetic has completely worn off before eating to prevent accidentally biting the cheek or tongue. For the first 24 hours, it may be beneficial to avoid chewing on the filled side, especially with amalgam fillings that require time to fully harden. Soft foods are preferable during this initial period, and sticky or hard foods should be avoided for a few days to prevent dislodging the new filling.
Maintaining good oral hygiene, including gentle brushing and flossing, is important to ensure the longevity of the filling. If sensitivity persists beyond a few weeks, or if there is persistent pain or swelling, contacting the dentist is advisable.