A sudden stinging sensation in the morning when you are sipping your coffee, an aching sensation after a sweet treat, or a dark speck you notice on the teeth while cleaning may appear minor but can signal underlying oral health issues. Still, they could be signs of a primary tooth problem, such as tooth decay. Fortunately, you can use dental fillings to fix these minor oral issues.
If, after a thorough dental exam, your dental expert recommends a filling, you should understand that there are several options to fix your issue and improve the structural integrity of your teeth. When considering fillings, here are the common types, the available material options based on your needs, and the oral conditions they can address.
Dental Fillings at a Glance
Dental fillings are restorative dental solutions used to repair minor tooth problems, such as damaged enamel, tooth decay, or minor tooth fractures. Generally, fillings are unique materials, such as porcelain, composite, or silver amalgam, that general dentists use to repair dental caries caused by decay or other minor enamel damage, such as fractures, chips, or cracks.
Tooth fillings are commonly used to treat tooth decay. Cavities start to develop when you consume foods or drinks rich in sugar and starches. The sugar residues in the mouth feed harmful bacteria and create a conducive environment for their multiplication. The harmful bacteria then produce acids and toxins that erode the enamel. When the enamel weakens, it exposes the dentin, which is why you experience increased sensitivity in the early stages of developing cavities.
Seeking treatment when you start experiencing sensitivity can reduce sensitivity and slow disease progression and prevent the development of tooth cavities. However, when you fail to seek treatment, toxins and acids erode the enamel, creating weak spots that develop into physical holes called tooth cavities, or caries. Left untreated, the cavities become havens for food debris and bacteria, eventually leading to decay. If you have dental caries or tooth decay, your general dentist will remove the decayed or damaged part and then apply the appropriate filling material to patch the opening. When the dentist fills the opening, they stop the decay from spreading to areas like the pulp and help the tooth function properly.
When the damage is extensive, the dentist uses alternative treatments to complement dental fillings, including:
- Dental implants and bridges
- Dental caps or crowns
- Root canal
Tooth Filling Types
Once a filling material is cemented on the affected tooth, it is permanent. Therefore, when selecting one, you must evaluate the available options carefully to select a material that meets your goals. Choosing the appropriate filling type is a collaborative decision involving you and your general dentist. Factors to consider when selecting a tooth-filling type include cavity location, your aesthetic needs, budget, and restoration size of the restoration.
Typically, dental fillings are categorized as direct or indirect. Direct fillings are the materials that are applied or cemented directly to the affected tooth without the need for the fabrication of a temporary or permanent restoration in a dental lab. The material is usually soft, cemented into the prepped cavity, and hardened using a special ultraviolet light. The entire treatment is completed in a single visit.
On the other hand, indirect fillings or restorations require at least two visits to the dental clinic. The reason for the multiple visits is that the restorations require fabrication in a dental lab, which takes weeks. However, if your dentist uses CAD/CAM technology in their office, the permanent restorations can be fabricated on the same day, and the permanent filling can be fitted. Examples of indirect tooth fillings include inlays and onlays. These fillings are utilized when the damage to the tooth is too extensive for a filling but not severe enough to warrant a dental crown.
There are various types of fillings depending on the material used. The common types include:
Silver or Amalgam Fillings
Silver fillings, also called amalgam fillings, are a mixture of mercury and various metals, such as copper, tin, or silver. These fillings are used for posterior teeth, like the molars, because they are strong and can withstand the forces and pressures of chewing. The material is also highly durable due to its metal composition. The fillings are not limited to the back teeth. You can use them for the anterior teeth, but their dark color will adversely impact your smile because they do not mimic the color of natural teeth.
The downside of these restorations is that they require the dentist to extensively trim the tooth to achieve a retentive shape that will retain the filling in place. You could end up weakening the natural tooth structure, increasing you risk of future dental problems. Also, because of the mercury in the fillings, they are unsuitable for pregnant women, individuals with kidney disease, or children.
Composite Fillings
Composite or tooth-colored fillings are the most prevalent because they mimic the color of natural teeth, making them invisible. The fillings are comprised of acrylic resin and tiny glass-like particles. Because they can be tailored to resemble the existing natural teeth, you can use the fillings to repair any teeth.
The advantage of composite fillings is that they are bonded directly to the tooth surface, providing support and protecting the remaining healthy structure. The downside of these fillings is that, although durable, they do not last as long as silver fillings. They are prone to staining from coffee or smoking and take longer to install, making them more expensive than amalgam restorations.
Gold and Porcelain
Inlays and onlays are indirect fillings made of gold or porcelain. These indirect restorations are used in cases of severe enamel damage where fillings might not be the most effective because of the extensive damage and dental crowns are unsuitable. The restorations, unlike other materials that are directly cemented to the tooth, are fabricated in the lab.
The benefit of these restorations is that they are durable if you go for the gold material. Gold is mixed with other metals, such as palladium, silver, tin, or copper, making strong, durable restorations that can serve you for at least 20 years. Additionally, the material is non-corrosive; therefore, there are no complications with gum tissue irritation.
Another material for indirect fillings is porcelain. Porcelain is translucent, enabling it to mimic the color of natural enamel and making inlays and onlays aesthetically appealing. Because of their aesthetic benefits, the restorations are costly.
The disadvantage of indirect gold restorations is their expense. Also, you require multiple dental visits, which can be time-consuming and costly.
Dental Fillings, Consultations, and Treatment Planning
Most minor tooth decay, cavities, cracks, fractures, and chips are discovered during routine dental checkups and cleaning. During the appointment, your general dentist evaluates your teeth and gums to look for dental problems. If they find decay or caries, the dentist can order an X-ray to assess the extent or severity of the problem. The X-ray images give a vivid picture of the situation and help the dentist determine the most appropriate procedure.
If your dental expert recommends fillings or the procedure, they will discuss the available filling types and materials for a collaborative decision that suits your medical history, budget, durability, number of dental appointments, cavity location, and preferences.
Once you have settled on a filling material, you should ask the dentist if they have the skills required to deliver the results you expect. Many general dentists have the skills to place composite and porcelain fillings. However, the skill levels vary from one expert to another. Therefore, during consultation, ask your dentist whether they have the postgraduate training or education required to refine their skills in your type of filling. If they do, you are in the right hands.
In some situations, the dental expert can complete the treatment in a single visit. Numbing or sedation might be necessary during the procedure, so you should discuss the available options.
Dental Filling Placement
Treatment starts with prepping the tooth and surrounding areas. The steps that follow depend on the kind of dental filling the dentist is using. However, you should expect the following during treatment:
1. Tooth Isolation
The first step in treatment is to isolate the affected tooth, especially when performing a composite filling. Isolates help prevent moisture from mixing with the filling material, thereby impeding the bonding process.
2. Numb the Tooth
The dentist administers the local anaesthetic discussed during treatment planning. Before administering the anesthesia, the dentist applies a numbing gel to the gums to reduce the pain of the injection. You will feel a pinch during the injection, but the rest of the procedure will be virtually painless.
3. Extracting the Damaged or Decayed Tissue
Once the tooth is numb, the dentist removes the decayed or dead tissue using a dental handpiece or a laser, then cleans the opening to ensure only healthy tissue remains. The dentist must remove all the decay to eliminate the risk of it recurring.
4. Filling the Opening with Filling Material
After drilling the tooth to remove decay, the dentist uses your choice of filling material to fill the hole left by the drill. If the dentist is using composite resin, they will cement the material layer after layer to ensure proper bonding. Once a coating is applied, the dentist dries the soft composite material using a special UV light. For silver fillings, the dentist will fill the hole with the material and harden it for up to 24 hours.
Polishing the Fillings
Once the material is hardened, the dentist will polish it to remove excess material and smooth out sharp edges that may irritate the tongue and other soft tissues. Moreover, the dentist will polish and smooth out the material to create contours that resemble those of natural teeth. The final step is to verify that the bite is comfortable for you.
Healing and Aftercare
After the procedure, the dentist should give you instructions on how to avoid the recurrence of decay around the treated tooth.
Dental professionals recommend brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day, and using an antiseptic mouthwash. Additionally, maintain your biannual dental appointments for cleaning and examination.
Diet is a crucial part of your oral health. Therefore, the dentist will recommend maintaining a balanced diet and avoiding or limiting the intake of foods or beverages that increase the risk of decay.
Benefits of Tooth Fillings
Dental fillings arrest decay and other tooth enamel damage and prevent recurrence. Depending on your choice of filling, the benefits you will derive from the treatment include:
- The weak teeth are strengthened
- Fillings restore tooth functionality, such as enabling you to chew properly
- Fillings preserve the natural structure of your teeth because there is little to no enamel trimming involved.
- Tooth fillings, especially composite and porcelain restorations, enhance the appearance of your teeth.
- Fillings are highly durable
In the past, only silver fillings were considered more durable. However, manufacturers of composite and porcelain fillings have improved their durability. Composite resin material, which was used for front teeth only, can now be used for the molars because they have been strengthened. However, silver fillings remain the strongest and most durable.
Risks Associated with Dental Fillings
Even though dental fillings are popular and less complicated, they are not without risks. However, the risks of the treatment depend on the type of procedure and the patient's medical history. Complications can lead to delayed healing or failed treatment. The common complications that can arise in the procedure are:
- Allergic reaction to the filling material, such as gum irritation or mercury toxicity, due to biodegradation in silver fillings.
- Nerve or blood vessel injuries
- Growth of dental cavities on the filled tooth
- Dental filling expansion or shrinkage, leading to treatment inefficiency
- Minor sensitivity and soreness after the procedure
- Extreme sensitivity to extreme temperatures
Complications during treatment that could necessitate complementary procedures include throbbing pain, pain when chewing, and pain in response to extreme temperatures.
Find a Reputable Restorative Dentistry Service Near Me
Dental fillings are affordable, simple, safe, and effective restorative solutions for tooth decay, cavities, or fractures. Whether you choose silver fillings, composite, or porcelain, the goal is to restore the tooth’s health and functionality. If your dentist has recommended fillings after an oral exam, you should discuss the available options, including the type and material, to make an informed decision.
At Lasting Impressions Dental Spa, we believe choosing a dental filling material is a collaborative decision, which is why we are here to explain your options. Call us at 818-751-5100 to schedule a consultation in Encino, CA.
