Fillings
Dental fillings are a common restorative dentistry treatment used to repair issues such as cavities, cracks, chips, and worn-down teeth. They can also help restore the function and structure of teeth that have been damaged by trauma or decay. Several materials can be used for fillings, including:
- Amalgam: Silver-colored, contains mercury mixed with other metals, and is durable.
- Composite Resin: Tooth-colored, made from a resin base mixed with powdered quartz, silica, or glass.
- Glass Ionomer: Tooth-colored, composed of silica glass powder, and often used in specific situations.
- Gold: Known for its durability, lasting 10–15 years or more.
- Ceramics: Resistant to staining, often used for more visible teeth.
During the filling procedure, the dentist removes the decayed portion of the tooth and cleans the affected area. The cavity is then filled with the chosen material. The entire process typically takes 30–60 minutes, depending on the extent of the decay and the dentist's technique. Most dentists use local anesthetics to minimize discomfort, although some mild discomfort and sensitivity can be expected after the procedure. Common post-procedure symptoms include irritation and sensitivity to biting, chewing, and temperature changes. These symptoms usually resolve within a week or two.
What’s right for me?
Several factors influence the performance, durability, longevity, and expense of dental restorations, including:
- The components used in the filling material
- The amount of tooth structure remaining
- Where and how the filling is placed
- The chewing load that the tooth will have to bear
- The length and number of visits needed to prepare and adjust the restored tooth
Before your treatment begins, your doctor will discuss with you all of your options and help you choose the best filling for your particular case. In preparation for this discussion it may be helpful to understand the two basic types of dental fillings — direct and indirect.
- Direct fillings are fillings placed into a prepared cavity in a single visit. They include silver amalgam, glass ionomers, resin ionomers, and composite (resin) fillings. The dentist prepares the tooth, places the filling, and adjusts it in one appointment.
- Indirect fillings generally require two or more visits. They include inlays, onlays, and veneers fabricated with gold, base metal alloys, ceramics, or composites. They are used when a tooth has too much damage to support a filling but not enough to necessitate a crown. During the first visit, the dentist prepares the tooth and makes an impression of the area to be restored. The dentist then places a temporary covering over the prepared tooth. The impression is sent to a dental laboratory, which creates the dental restoration. At the next appointment, the dentist cements the restoration into the prepared cavity and adjusts it as needed.
