WHAT ARE DENTAL FILLINGS Or DENTAL FILLING TREATMENT?
Dental Fillings are the treatment modality to restore damaged or lost structure which could have been a result of decay or trauma. Decay makes teeth hollow. Dental Filling Treatment helps to fill this gap and protect it to decay further. Front Tooth Filling are also used to repair broken tooth and the teeth which wear off due to bad dental habits like teeth grinding, nail biting etc.
If your Front tooth are damaged it will be noticeable when you are talk or smile. Then Dentist uses composite resin to make the teeth natural. There is no need to worry about Front tooth filling.
Teeth gap filling Treatment is necessary when the gap between two teeth is greater than 2 mm size. Different Cosmetic Dentistry like orthodontic treatment with braces, dental bonding, or instant orthodontics are used to Clear the gap between the teeth.
WHO NEED DENTAL FILLINGS?
There are many signs and symptoms where fillings can be required. The symptoms could be as below:
• A hole in your tooth
• Dark spots on the tooth
• Food lodged between certain areas of the teeth
• Chipped or broken tooth
• Sensitivity to hot and cold food and beverage
• Single or multiple cavities
With Any of the symptoms above mentioned, there is a chance that you need a filling. The final decision will be of your dentist after a proper oral examination.
DENTAL FILLING PROCEDURE.
Dental Filling is usually required when your tooth is decayed. It will prevent further damage and can protect your tooth.
• The initial step in this process is to see how severe the infected tooth is. This is because Dental Filling is only suitable for minor fractures and decay
• The dentist then examines the tooth and if required an X-ray would be done for precise evaluation
• Depending upon the extent of decay, local anesthesia is administered to make the area around the infected tooth painless.
• Then the decayed or damaged tooth or the areas around it will be prepared for restoration
• If the tooth is damaged, then a dental Aerator or a laser can be used to remove the damaged part
• A filling is then applied to the area to fill the cavity. The type of filling will differ case to case and person to person
• Finally, the finished tooth can be polished to conclude the dental filling procedure
SEQUELAE OF NOT GETTING A DENTAL FILLING DONE
If you have decay, then it is extremely important to get Fillings done because if the treatment is not done on time then slowly the enamel (outer layer of teeth) start decaying exposes the dentin (the hard layer below the enamel). The bacteria in your mouth will meet dentin, causing infection. Once the infection starts, you may feel sensitivity and will then want to get Fillings done.
But if you skip this part and do not get the treatment done on time, then the infection will reach to the nerve which will eventually damage the tooth and then one needs to undergo a root canal treatment . You are also at risk of the infection migrating to the adjacent tooth making it prone to decay.
TYPES OF DENTAL FILLINGS
Metal Filling
This outdated filling is long lasting. In this type, Silver Filling is comparatively cheaper. But gold though expensive is a preferred choice. Because they can withstand chewing forces and last usually from 10-15 years. But are unaesthetic
Amalgam Filling
This is the most researched and widely used by dental professionals since quite long now. It is made of several metals combined and therefore, they have high strength.
Composite Filling
These are of the same color as your teeth. These are preferred if a person does not want their filing to be evident. It is recommended & suitable in case of front teeth. It bonds well with the tooth structure. It is also used for a chipped tooth; however, it does not last long as compared to metal and amalgam filling and may also wear off with time.
Porcelain / Ceramic Filling
The porcelain filling is best suited if you are concerned about aesthetics. These cover most part of the tooth, as a result, can be used if the decay is large enough. These long-lasting fillings do not stain or wear off easily.
POST TREATMENT CARE FOR DENTAL FILLING
• Before chewing, make sure that the anesthesia is worn off
• Don’t consume anything too hot or too cold if the effect of anesthesia is still on
• You may feel soreness around your gum area, this will last only for a few days These are of similar shading as your teeth.
• Maintain a strategic distance from hard or clingy nourishment for a couple of days
• If you feel sensitivity for too long or if your dental fillings come out, visit your dentist immediately
If you have a propensity for pounding your teeth, at that point ensure you utilize a mouthguard to secure your filling
• Maintain good Oral Hygiene routine like cleaning, brushing, mouthwash & flossing
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q.1. How Long Does A Dental Filling Last?
The life of Dental Filling depends upon the material of the filling. It also depends on how well you take care of your filling. The life of Dental Filling varies from 5 years to 20 years.
Q.2. Will Dental Filling Fall Off?
Yes, but the chances are low.
Q.3. What to Do If Your Fillings Come Out?
Visit your dental specialist when your Dental Filling comes out
Q.4. How to Know That Dental Filling Is Loose?
If you have sensitivity even after getting the filling done, then it is most likely that the filling is about to come off. Or if you feel pressure while eating or have a constant toothache then the chances of it coming off is high.