If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms of large cavities, you may be a candidate for dental fillings:
Unfortunately, not everyone with the above-mentioned dental problems can benefit from dental fillings. Fillings are ideal for patients with mild to moderate tooth decay. Severe cases may need to undergo other dental treatments, such as a root canal procedure.
A dental filling is a common dental procedure. It’s usually a painless dental procedure that just requires one visit to the dental clinic lasting an hour or less. A basic filling can be completed in as little as 20 minutes. It may take longer if the filling is more prominent or if several fillings are required. It could sometimes take longer or require an additional visit, depending on the materials used in the dental filling procedure. For example, composite resin material layered onto your teeth takes longer, but it can be finished in one visit.
On the other hand, an impression may be needed for composite fillings. An additional office visit may be necessary to bond the filling properly. Gold or porcelain fillings are usually not done in one sitting. The cavity will be filled at the first visit, and an impression of your tooth will be taken, which will be sent to a lab for fabrication. The filling is sealed to your tooth at the next appointment.
Temporary fillings are needed in these cases:
Dentists use various tooth filling materials depending on the type of cavity that needs to be filled. For example, dentists frequently use a tooth-coloured filling for front teeth. Each type of filling has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Direct Fillings (done inside the mouth in a single visit):
Silver Amalgam Fillings: Silver-coloured amalgam fillings are a mixture of metals, including roughly 50% mercury, silver, tin, and copper. It is the cheapest tooth filling material, and it’s also the easiest to use. It is also the most durable, which is why it is frequently employed on stress-bearing surfaces.
Amalgam restoration is an excellent choice for large or deep cavity fillings. One obvious disadvantage is that metal cavity fillings are ugly and are therefore rarely used on front teeth. Some people also avoid amalgam fillings due to worries about mercury exposure.
Resin Composite Fillings: A blend of acrylic resin and powdered glass is used to make composite resin fillings. The resin-based composite material is coloured to closely match your natural tooth colour, making the filling barely noticeable.
This dental filling material, however, is not as long-lasting as a silver filling. As a result, composite restoration may not be suitable for deep fillings or those on biting surfaces. It’s also more technically challenging to apply, so it takes a little longer.
Glass Ionomer Fillings: Glass ionomer fillings are another option for white fillings. It’s usually utilised for temporary fillings, such as for children‘s baby teeth, because it isn’t as durable as composite resin fillings.
Since it doesn’t require a dry surface to bond to, it can also be used to fill decayed areas on teeth roots below the gum line. Glass ionomer also releases fluoride, which aids in the prevention of decay.
Indirect Fillings (made outside of the mouth, typically in a dental laboratory, and requiring two dental visits)
Porcelain Fillings: Porcelain or ceramic fillings are tooth-coloured restorations that closely resemble natural teeth in function and appearance. Porcelain and real teeth are nearly identical in colour. These fillings are also more durable than composite fillings and are less likely to fracture. They’re perfect for those who desire a long-lasting repair that also looks good.
Gold Fillings: Gold fillings are the strongest indirect fillings. They protect dental cusps that have been damaged by trauma, decay, or deep cavities. Gold fillings, unlike composite and porcelain fillings, are not cosmetically pleasing. They are, however, more durable and less prone to damage.
The type of filling that is best for you is determined by the severity and location of the dental decay, the amount of sound tooth structure that remains, the cost, and your insurance coverage.
The majority of fillings heal without a hitch. Your filled tooth may feel a little sensitive when the anaesthetic wears off, but this typically passes in a day or two. To reduce tooth sensitivity, you can do the following:
Fillings are among the most affordable dental procedures. Fillings generally range from $150 to $200 for a simple filling, and more complex fillings may cost up to $400.
The following are some potential issues you may encounter with dental fillings:
Pulpitis: Before filling a cavity, your dentist uses a heated drill during the decay removal process. Pulpitis occurs when the pulp, the connective tissue that forms the center of your teeth, becomes inflamed. If your dentist does not remove all of the decayed tissue, the pulp of the damaged tooth may become infected. You may notice swelling in your gums or a pus pocket near the tooth if this happens.
Amalgam Allergy: Sensitivity after a dental filling may be caused by allergies to metals. A rash or itching could also be present. If you think you have an allergic reaction, see your dentist. They can use a different restorative material to redo the original filling.
Filling Deterioration: Dental fillings can wear away, chip, or break under the constant strain of biting, grinding, or clenching. Although you may not be aware that your filling is deteriorating, your dentist can detect flaws in your teeth with fillings during a regular check-up.
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