Dental filling is a mechanism adopted by the dentist to solve decay problems. How is it done? What are its advantages? And what are its most important disadvantages? Follow us in this article, where we will provide you with a detailed explanation in addition to the most important types. Do not hesitate to read the article until the end.
What is a dental filling?
This procedure is performed by the dentist to treat tooth decay, where a medical filling is placed. This filling helps to fill the cavity resulting from decay, thereby protecting the tooth from damage and preventing future problems such as infection and pain.
Reasons for dental fillings
All of us are susceptible to tooth decay, from children to the elderly. Therefore, you may need to fill your teeth, especially if you feel pain when eating and experience increased sensitivity when consuming cold or hot foods. Among the most important reasons that indicate the necessity of having a filling for a tooth are the following:
Tooth Decay
This is the most prominent reason that may lead the doctor to choose the filling procedure as a solution, especially since the bacteria causing decay may extend inside the tooth and cause bigger problems. The filling helps prevent bacteria from entering the inner parts of the tooth and roots and destroying them.
Acid erosion
When the outer enamel layer of your teeth, which protects the tooth, dissolves, a filling may be done as a treatment for it.
Tooth fracture
You may experience a fracture in one of your teeth for one reason or another. This may expose some of the inner parts of the tooth, and for treatment, you need a filling that helps cover and preserve the tooth.
Tooth wear
Teeth may wear down due to using a toothbrush incorrectly and aggressively, or due to excessive clenching and grinding of teeth. The treatment for this wear is to use one of the dental fillings.
Types of Dental Fillings
Dental fillings can be divided into two main types: direct fillings and indirect fillings; they are classified as follows:
- Amalgam (mercury filling), which is the well-known and most common silver filling.
- Resin filling, which is a filling whose composition is primarily based on resin in addition to other elements.
- Ionomer, which is a glass filling primarily composed of silica.
- Gold filling, which is a gold-colored filling containing gold that may be mixed with other materials.
- Porcelain or ceramic filling, which is a filling whose composition is based on a mixture of metals and is placed to resemble a natural tooth.
- Temporary filling, which is a filling placed temporarily to be replaced later.
Dental filling procedure
The first step involves examining the teeth to determine the extent of decay, especially since fillings may be suitable for mild cases of fractures and decay and not for severe cases. The examination is performed using a liquid sprayed inside the teeth to detect areas of decay.
In the next step, after you have chosen the type of filling you wish to place, the doctor will anesthetize the area before working on it, then begin cleaning the decayed tooth and removing the damaged parts. The doctor may also clean the area surrounding the tooth. The doctor will also apply a gel with acidic properties to help sterilize the area and rid it of bacteria and food debris, then the doctor will place the filling.
The mechanism differs based on the type of filling, especially since a resin filling may require isolating the tooth before placement, and a light is used to help harden it.
Excess material is then removed to make the tooth appear even, and the doctor will then ask the patient to bite down to ensure that they do not feel any discomfort and that the filling fits perfectly with the tooth and adjacent teeth.
Advantages of dental fillings
Dental fillings are an excellent option for solving the problem of decay, and they also reduce the chances of problems occurring with the tooth. Dental fillings can also help in:
- Supporting and strengthening the tooth, as they help increase its hardness.
- Maintaining the natural structure of the tooth, which helps it perform its function better.
- Making the chewing process easier compared to the condition of the tooth before the filling.
- Playing a fundamental role in improving the appearance of the tooth, as the filling can help it appear natural, especially if fillings that match the shape of the teeth are used.
- The filling can last for many years, often up to 20 years.
Disadvantages of dental fillings
Dental fillings can cause some mild pain, in addition to some sensitivity and gum pain, but these are temporary symptoms. However, what should concern you is the development of complications, even though they are uncommon. You may feel the following:
- Severe pain in the tooth, which may indicate filling failure and that the decay has reached the root canal, and you need a root canal filling.
- Pain when chewing, and this may be evidence that the filling was not done correctly and needs repair and leveling of its outer surface.
- Pain when eating cold or hot foods, and the presence of this particular symptom means that you need a root canal filling, because the nerve in your teeth has been destroyed, and worse, you may need to extract the tooth entirely.
Read also: Which is better: filling or extracting the tooth?
Tips after a tooth filling
To maintain your dental filling, the most important step is to take proper and regular care of your teeth. This means you should do the following as part of your care routine:
- Use toothpaste that specifically contains fluoride.
- Mouthwash that contains antibacterial properties is very important because it helps remove food debris, and it should be used at least once.
- Do not neglect dental floss, as it plays a role in removing small food particles between the teeth that cause decay.
- Clean your teeth regularly at the dentist and make sure to visit your doctor periodically for a dental check-up.
Problems after dental fillings
There are a number of common problems that may occur after dental fillings, in addition to some other problems that need attention, and here are the most prominent:
Is pain after a tooth filling normal?
Tooth pain after a filling is very common, but it is a very temporary symptom that disappears after a while. In most cases, the pain you feel is due to gum inflammation caused by the procedure and tooth sensitivity.
Pain can also occur when chewing or due to the filling interfering with another metal, and you may feel it due to the irregular shape of the filling.
Tooth sensitivity after filling
Teeth can become sensitive after a filling, especially when pressure is applied to them or when eating sugary foods, but this disappears within several weeks. If it does not disappear within 4 weeks, contact your doctor because you may need to use a specific toothpaste prescribed by the doctor to relieve sensitivity or use a substance to reduce sensitivity, and you may need a root canal filling.
Learn more about Root Canal Filling and its Steps
Sensitivity to Fillings
This is a rare condition that occurs in a very small percentage of people, where some may be sensitive to silver fillings. In this case, the filling is replaced with another.
Filling Damage
With continuous pressure on the teeth and their use for chewing food, the filling can fall out, crack, or break into pieces. This can lead to food accumulation in this area, which results in bacteria forming under the filling.
Dental fillings, if done early, can protect your teeth and help them perform their functions naturally. Delaying it increases the chances of tooth damage. Therefore, if you feel you have decay, promptly visit the dentist for an examination, and you can Book your appointment with one of L'ORO's doctors.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I eat and drink after a filling?
You can start eating and drinking at any time after the procedure is completed, but it is preferable to wait until the anesthetic effect wears off, as food and drink will not affect the filling.
Is a dental filling painful?
No, because it is done under anesthesia, but you may feel a little pain after the procedure and once the anesthetic wears off.
How long does tooth sensitivity last after a filling?
Sensitivity lasts for approximately two weeks and no more than 4 weeks, because if it continues beyond that, it means there is a problem that needs treatment.