Permanent fillings are usually placed as a therapeutic solution for tooth decay and tooth fractures, but what are the types of these fillings? What are their most important features? Is there a difference between them and temporary fillings? Follow us in this article to learn all about this, in addition to their most important disadvantages.
What is a permanent filling?
It is a filling that is placed inside the teeth, and it is characterized by its ability to remain for long periods. Its function is to fill the gaps in the teeth that are responsible for decay, in order to protect the structure and integrity of the tooth.
Types of permanent dental fillings
They can be divided into several types:
Amalgam (silver) filling
It is the best and oldest filling, as it has been used for many years in dentistry, and is characterized by its strength.
Composite (white) filling
It is a filling with a unique composition that makes it compatible with natural teeth, so most patients prefer it because they want invisible fillings.
Read also: The Difference Between White and Black Dental Fillings
Ceramic filling
It is a filling made of porcelain material, and it is a very strong filling because it lasts for years and years. It is one of the distinctive fillings because it is similar to the color of the teeth, so it can be placed as a filling for the front teeth.
Read also: Methods of filling front teeth
Gold filling
It is a filling made of gold material along with some other components, and it is a strong and expensive filling at the same time.
Glass ionomer filling
It is one of the fillings that are placed if you want to have teeth similar to your natural teeth.
Learn more about Different types of dental fillings
Advantages of permanent fillings
These fillings offer several advantages for teeth, as they help in:
- Strengthening the tooth, supporting it, and increasing its hardness.
- Maintaining the structure and integrity of the tooth, which plays a role in the effective function of the tooth.
- Facilitating the process of chewing food.
- Improving the appearance of the tooth by giving it a natural look.
- Remaining in place for a long period that may extend for years, and the period depends on how well you care for the filling.
How permanent fillings are done
They can be placed by following a number of steps, which may differ at some stage depending on the type of filling, but there are fixed steps that are performed regardless of the type:
First step
It begins by preparing the area for filling using anesthesia with one of the anesthetic injections so that the patient does not feel pain.
Second step
The dentist cleans the tooth, and the goal here is to remove the decayed parts and ensure the elimination of any infection that may affect the filling.
Third step
Here, the tooth is drilled and an opening is made in it that is compatible with the filling. In the conventional method, a drill is used, but in composite fillings, a laser is used.
Read also: Laser Dental Filling Method
Fourth step
The filling is adjusted to be perfectly even. The dentist must ensure that the surface will not affect chewing and eating, so any excess or high spots in the filling will be removed.
Read also: Dental fillings: advantages and disadvantages
How long do permanent fillings last?
Their duration varies depending on the type of filling used, and can range from 7 to 20 years.
Disadvantages of permanent fillings
Permanent fillings can have their disadvantages, and the most prominent of these disadvantages are the following:
- Mild pain resulting from tooth sensitivity after the procedure.
- Gum pain and inflammation after the procedure.
- The possibility of decay occurring after the procedure.
- The possibility of the filling falling out of place.
- The possibility of a crack or fracture in the filling.
- It is possible for the filled tooth to fracture.
These problems may occur due to eating very hard foods, chewing food vigorously, or teeth grinding and clenching, along with neglecting oral hygiene.
How to maintain a permanent filling
Maintaining permanent dental fillings requires your commitment to tooth cleaning and care methods, so do the following:
- Choose a toothpaste suitable for your teeth that also contains fluoride.
- Mouthwash is an essential part of your oral hygiene routine, and it should be an antibacterial mouthwash.
- Remember that dental floss is just as important as your toothbrush and mouthwash.
- Visit the dentist regularly for cleaning and examination of your teeth.
Dental fillings are the most common procedure in dentistry, as they are placed to address many problems resulting from decay and fractures in a tooth. They are characterized by their various types, as we mentioned, but they are very important for maintaining your oral health.
You can contact us, and we will help you choose one of the permanent dental fillings suitable for you, as L'ORO Clinic offers a variety of options at competitive prices, so Book your appointment now.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the color of the permanent filling?
The color of this filling varies depending on the type of filling you use; it may appear white, black, or gold.
Does the permanent filling fall out?
The filling is usually stable in its place, but it can fall out and crumble as a result of certain behaviors that harm it, along with neglecting oral hygiene.
Does a permanent filling require anesthesia?
Yes, the area must be anesthetized before starting the filling procedure.
When can I eat after a permanent filling?
You can eat a short time after getting any permanent filling, about two hours only.
Can a permanent filling be removed?
Yes, it may be removed if there is a problem with the teeth, as the dentist may need to replace it with another.
What is the difference between a permanent and temporary filling?
The fundamental difference lies in how long the filling stays in the teeth; temporary fillings are placed for a very short period to be replaced by permanent ones that last for years.
Does a permanent filling cause odor?
Normally, these fillings do not cause odor, but if there is a problem with the filling that leads to food accumulation underneath it and the formation of bacteria, it can cause an odor.