A dental filling is a restoration used to repair a tooth damaged by decay. The procedure involves removing the decayed portion and replacing it with a restorative material. A filling is a routine treatment that prevents a cavity from escalating into a severe issue. Avoiding necessary repair is far worse for oral and overall health than the procedure itself.
Understanding the Dental Filling Procedure
The procedure uses modern pain management techniques. First, a topical anesthetic gel is applied to the gum tissue near the affected tooth. This numbs the surface before a local anesthetic is administered to block pain signals.
Once numb, the dentist uses a small drill to carefully remove the decayed enamel and dentin. The goal is to eliminate all bacteria-infected material while preserving healthy tooth structure. The patient may feel pressure or vibrations but should not experience pain.
After cleaning the cavity, the dentist prepares the space for the restorative material. The tooth is often treated with an acid etching gel to create microscopic pores, helping the filling material bond securely. A bonding agent is then applied before the chosen material is placed.
The final steps involve shaping the material to match the tooth’s natural contour and ensure a proper bite. The dentist hardens the material using a special light, if needed, and polishes the surface, restoring the tooth’s integrity.
Assessing the Safety of Filling Materials
Safety concerns often focus on the composition of restorative materials, primarily silver amalgam or composite resin. Silver amalgam is a mixture of metals, approximately 50% of which is elemental mercury, along with silver, tin, and copper.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that mercury exposure from amalgam does not cause negative health effects in the general population. However, the FDA advises that non-mercury alternatives, such as composite resins, be used for certain high-risk groups. These groups include:
- Children
- Pregnant or nursing women
- People planning to become pregnant
- Those with pre-existing neurological conditions or impaired kidney function
Composite resin, or “tooth-colored filling,” is made from an acrylic resin and powdered glass mixture. These fillings are aesthetically preferred because they blend with the natural tooth color and bond directly to the tooth structure.
Amalgam is durable and cost-effective, but its use has declined in favor of composite resin. Composite resin offers a better cosmetic outcome and avoids the mercury component. Patients should discuss the risks and benefits of both materials with their dentist to make an informed choice.
Why Timely Treatment Is Essential
Avoiding a dental filling allows decay to progress, which is far more damaging than the procedure itself. Decay begins by demineralizing the enamel, which can sometimes be reversed with fluoride treatment early on. If left untreated, the decay breaks through the enamel and forms a cavity.
Once decay reaches the dentin, the softer layer beneath the enamel, progression accelerates because dentin is less resistant to bacterial acids. Patients often experience increased sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods. A filling remains the standard treatment to remove the infection and stop its spread.
If the cavity is ignored, the infection advances deeper into the tooth’s pulp, which contains the nerves and blood vessels. This pulp involvement causes intense pain and often leads to an abscess. Treatment then requires a complex and invasive root canal procedure.
In severe cases, the tooth structure may become non-restorable. The resulting abscess can spread infection into the jawbone and surrounding tissues, requiring extraction. Getting a filling early is a preventative measure that saves the tooth and avoids the need for extensive and costly procedures.