If part of a tooth has been lost through decay or damaged due to an accident, your dentist may put in a dental filling. Dental fillings are used to fill a portion of tooth or plug the hole and stop any future pain or discomfort.
Types of Dental Fillings
There are two basic types of dental fillings:
- Traditional Amalgam Fillings
- Composite Resin Tooth-Colored Fillings
Our clinics uses the 3M ESPE Filtek for composite resin fillings. The 3M ESPE utilises developments in nanotechnology enabling high-quality restorations as well as excellent mechanical properties and strength.
Benefits of 3M ESPE Filtek
- Nanosized filler particles create a brilliant polish and retention
- Gives excellent strength, durability and wear resistance for even the toughest posterior restorations
- Can be used for simple to complex restorations involving layering and combining two and opacities
- Low polymerization shrinkage for less stress on the tooth and less sensitivity potential for patients
- Fluorescence contributes to a more natural looking restoration
- Unique nanocomposite-based restorative combines strength and high-quality esthetics
The above information has been taken from 3M ESPE website.
Procedure for Composite Resin Dental Fillings Treatment
The course of treatment described here is one of several options available at our dental clinic. Consult your dentist to find out what the best solution is for you, given your specific condition.
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First evaluation and fillings tooth preparation
- decay in tooth is removed and clean cavity of bacteria and debris
- prepare space for the filling
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Application of dental fillings
- tooth-colored material is placed in layers
- a special light that “cures” or hardens each layer is applied
- shape composite material to the desired result, trim off any excess material
- polish final restoration
Recovery Expectations
Having dental fillings and fillings replacement done is a quick and relatively simple process. There should be little or no sensitivity in teeth.
Dental fillings treatment can usually be completed within one visit if warranted. If however, there are a large number of fillings, the visits may be separated for better patient comfort.
Care for Dental Fillings
To maintain your fillings, you should follow good oral hygiene practices:
- Brush at least twice a day. It is good practice to brush after eating and before bedtime.
- Floss at least once to twice a day.
- Rinse with fluoride rinse before bed. Swish the fluoride rinse vigorously in your mouth for at least one minute. Do not swallow any of the rinse and do not eat or drink anything for 30 minutes
- See your dentist for regular professional check-ups and cleanings. If your dentist suspects that a filling might be cracked or is “leaking”, further assessment of the situation should be done
- If your tooth is extremely sensitive, if you feel a sharp edge, if you notice a crack in the filling, or if a piece of the filling is missing, call your dentist
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Amalgam Fillings versus Composite Resin Fillings
Bonding
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a procedure in which a tooth-colored resin material (a durable plastic material) is applied and hardened with a special light, which ultimately “bonds” the material to the tooth to restore or improve person’s smile.
Benefits of Dental Bonding
- Repairs decayed teeth (composite resins are used to fill cavities)
- Repairs small chipped or cracked teeth
- Improves the appearance of discolored teeth or make cosmetic improvements
- Closes minor gaps and spaces between teeth
- Makes teeth look longer
- changes the color and shape of teeth
- Lightens stains
- Corrects mild crooked teeth to a certain degree
- A cosmetic alternative to amalgam fillings
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Protects a portion of the tooth’s root that has been exposed when gums recede
Procedure for Dental Bonding
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First evaluation and bonding tooth preparation
- A shade guide to select a composite resin color that closely match the color of your tooth
- the surface of the tooth will be roughened and a conditioning liquid applied to help the bonding material adhere to the tooth
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Application of bonding resin
- The composite resin is then applied, molded and smoothed to the desired shape
- Light is used to harden the material
- After the material is hardened, the resin is further trimmed, shaped and polished to match the tooth surface
Recovery Expectations
Since bonding does not result in the removal of any tooth structure, there should be little or no sensitivity.
Care for Dental Bondings
Simply follow good oral hygiene practices.
- Brush at least twice a day. It is good practice to brush after eating and before bedtime.
- Floss at least once to twice a day.
- Rinse with fluoride rinse before bed. Swish the fluoride rinse vigorously in your mouth for at least one minute. Do not swallow any of the rinse and do not eat or drink anything for 30 minutes
- Be careful about chewing toffees, gum, grainy rolls and tough food in this area
- See your dentist for regular professional check-ups and cleanings
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Services : Aesthetics: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Dental Bonding
- What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Dental Bonding?
- Do Bonded Teeth Require Special Care?
- How Long Does Bonding Material Last?
What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Dental Bonding?
Advantages. Bonding is among the easiest and least expensive of cosmetic dental procedures. Unlike veneers and crowns, which are customized tooth coverings that must be manufactured in a laboratory, bonding usually can be done in one office visit unless several teeth are involved. Another advantage, compared with veneers and crowns, is that the least amount of tooth enamel is removed. Also, unless dental bonding is being performed to fill a cavity, anesthesia is usually not required.
Disadvantages: Although the material used in dental bonding is somewhat stain resistant, it does not resist stains as well as veneers and crowns. Another disadvantage is that the bonding materials do not last as long nor are as strong as other restorative procedures, such as crowns, veneers, or fillings. Additionally, bonding materials can chip and break off the tooth.
Because of some of the limitations of bonding, some dentists view bonding as best suited for small cosmetic changes, for temporary correction of cosmetic defects, and for correction of teeth in areas of very low bite pressure usually at the front teeth. Consult with your dentist about the best cosmetic approach for your particular problem.
Do Bonded Teeth Require Special Care?
No. Simply follow good oral hygiene practices. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss at least once a day and see your dentist for regular professional check-ups and cleanings.
Because bonding material can chip, it is important to avoid such habits as biting fingernails; chewing on pens, ice or other hard food objects; or using your bonded teeth as an opener. If you do notice any sharp edges on a bonded tooth or if your tooth feels odd when you bite down, call your dentist.
How Long Does Bonding Material Last?
The lifespan of bonding materials depends on how much bonding was done and your oral habits. Typically, however, bonding material lasts from 3 years up to about 10 years before needing to be touched up or replaced.
Source from http://www.webmd.com
Services : Dental Diagnosis & GP : Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Dental Fillings
- What Are Indirect Fillings?
- What’s a Temporary Filling and Why Would I Need One?
- Are Amalgam-Type Fillings Safe?
What Are Indirect Fillings?
Indirect fillings are similar to composite or tooth-colored fillings except that they are made in a dental laboratory and require two visits before being placed. Indirect fillings are considered when not enough tooth structure remains to support a filling but the tooth is not so severely damaged that it needs a crown.
During the first visit, decay or an old filling is removed. An impression is taken to record the shape of the tooth being repaired and the teeth around it. The impression is sent to a dental laboratory that will make the indirect filling. A temporary filling (described below) is placed to protect the tooth while your restoration is being made. During the second visit, the temporary filling is removed, and the dentist will check the fit of the indirect restoration. Provided the fit is acceptable, it will be permanently cemented into place.
There are two types of indirect fillings – inlays and onlays.
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Inlays are similar to fillings but the entire work lies within the cusps (bumps) on the chewing surface of the tooth
- Onlays are more extensive than inlays, covering one or more cusps. Onlays are sometimes called partial crowns
Inlays and onlays are more durable and last much longer than traditional fillings – up to 30 years. They can be made of tooth-colored composite resin, porcelain or gold. Inlays and onlays weaken the tooth structure, but do so to a much lower extent than traditional fillings.
What’s a Temporary Filling and Why Would I Need One?
Temporary fillings are used under the following circumstances:
- For fillings that require more than one appointment – for example, before placement of inlays and onlays
- Following a root canal
- To allow a tooth’s nerve to “settle down” if the pulp became irritated
- If emergency dental treatment is needed (such as to address a toothache)
Temporary fillings are not meant to last. They usually fall out, fracture, or wear out within 1 month. Be sure to contact your dentist to have your temporary filling replaced with a permanent one. If this is not done, the tooth could become infected with other complications.
Are Amalgam-Type Fillings Safe?
Over the past several years, concerns have been raised about silver-colored fillings, otherwise called amalgams. Because amalgams contain mercury, some people think that amalgams are responsible for causing a number of diseases, including autism, Alzheimer’s disease, and multiple sclerosis.
The American Dental Association (ADA), the FDA, and numerous public health agencies say amalgams are safe, and that any link between mercury-based fillings and disease is unfounded. The causes of autism, Alzheimer’s disease, and multiple sclerosis remain unknown. Additionally, there is no solid, scientific evidence to back up the claim that if a person has amalgam fillings removed, he or she will be cured of these or any other diseases.
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