Fillings

Dental fillings are a common treatment to repair teeth damaged by decay or injury. The process involves removing the damaged portion of the tooth and then filling the cavity with a durable material. This restores the tooth's shape, function, and strength, preventing further decay from spreading. 

Types of Dental Fillings:

  • Direct Fillings:

    These are placed directly into the prepared tooth cavity in a single visit. Common materials include:

    • Amalgam: Silver-colored, made of mercury, silver, tin, zinc, and copper. 

    • Resin Composite: Tooth-colored, made of a resin base with powdered quartz, silica, or glass.

  • Indirect Fillings:

    These are custom-made in a dental lab based on an impression of the prepared tooth and require a second visit for placement. Examples include inlays, onlays. 

Procedure for Dental Fillings:

  1. Numbing: The area around the affected tooth is numbed with a local anesthetic. 

  2. Decay Removal: The decayed or damaged portion of the tooth is removed using a drill, air abrasion instrument, or laser. 

  3. Cleaning: The cavity is cleaned to remove any remaining decay or debris. 

  4. Filling Placement: The chosen filling material is placed into the cavity. 

  5. Shaping and Polishing: The filling is shaped and polished to ensure a comfortable bite. 

When are Fillings Used?

  • Cavities:

    Dental fillings are the primary treatment for cavities, which are holes in the teeth caused by tooth decay. 

  • Minor Chips and Cracks:

    Fillings can also repair minor chips and cracks in the teeth, restoring their appearance and preventing further damage. 

  • Replacement of Old Fillings:

    Fillings may need to be replaced due to wear and tear or if they are damaged or failing.