Dental Fillings

When tooth decay occurs, it can be remedied using materials known as dental fillings to restore the affected tooth. Once the decayed tooth structure has been removed, the filling material is inserted into the cavity. Composite resin, porcelain, gold, or amalgam (a mixture of metals) are some materials that could be used for the filling.

A tooth filling may be necessary for a variety of reasons.

 1. Cavities and decay

As one might expect, cavities are the leading cause of needing a dental filling. Bacteria in the mouth produce acids that eat away at tooth enamel, eventually exposing the sensitive dentin below. Cavities in the teeth can be repaired with dental fillings to stop the spread of decay.

 2. Cracked or chipped teeth

Trauma, grinding teeth, and biting down on hard objects are all potential causes of tooth damage. If not treated, these fractures and chips can lead to tooth sensitivity, pain, and even severe damage. With dental fillings, you can repair the damage to your tooth and stop it from getting worse.

3. Worn-down teeth

Teeth can deteriorate over time due to natural wear and tear and the wear caused by grinding or consuming acidic foods and beverages. Tooth sensitivity, pain, and even more decay might result from this. A dental filling might be used to prevent future damage and restore the tooth’s original shape.

4. Cosmetic reasons

Besides restoring a tooth’s function, dental fillings can also be utilized for aesthetic purposes, such as closing spaces between teeth or masking tooth discolouration or damage.

Existing fillings should be replaced because they can wear out, become loose, or fall out over time, exposing the tooth to decay. Tooth decay can be prevented by placing a dental filling in place of an old one.

5. Root canal treatment

A filling may be necessary to restore the tooth’s structure after a root canal and stop the decay from spreading.

Get an appointment with our specialist to find out if a dental filling is necessary if you have any of these problems.

Several different dental filling options exist, including:

1. Amalgam fillings

Silver fillings are amalgam restorations combining silver, copper, and mercury. Although they survive long, their mercury level may be off-putting to some.

2. Composite fillings

Composite fillings are a hybrid material composed of glass microspheres. They are frequently used to treat cavities in front teeth since they may be made to match the patient’s natural tooth colour.

3. Ceramic fillings

Dental ceramics create ceramic fillings, commonly known as porcelain fillings. They can be shade-matched to your natural teeth so that they won’t stand out.

4. Gold fillings

Gold fillings last a long time and cause minimal discomfort. They may not be as aesthetically beautiful as other filler options and can be more expensive.

5. Glass ionomer fillings

These are composites of glass and acrylic. They work well as fillings in locations that don’t experience as much pressure from biting, such as the gum line.

Many parameters, such as the cavity’s location, size, and preferences, will determine the optimum filling for you. Meet our experts now so they can advise you on the best filling material for your condition.

1. Assess Yourself
2. Dental Caries Assessment
3. Dental Cavities Risk
4. Dental Infection Assessment

These are the typical steps involved in a dental filling procedure:

1. Reduce pain by numbing the area

Your dentist will administer a local anaesthetic to the region around the damaged tooth before beginning the treatment. Make sure you don’t feel any pain or discomfort during the process.

2. Removing the decay

Your dentist will use a dental drill or laser to remove the infected tissue.

3. Cleaning and preparing the tooth

After removing the decay, cleaning and roughening the tooth’s surface is done to prepare the teeth for the filling.

4. Placement of the filling

Next, the filling material will be placed into the cavity to fit the created cavity. To solidify the filling material, your dentist will use a special light.

5. Finishing and polishing

The dentist will polish the filling once it has cured to remove any rough spots and make it look like a natural part of your tooth.

It can take anywhere from half an hour to an hour to complete the full treatment, depending on the size and location of the cavity. It’s normal to feel sensitive or uncomfortable immediately following the treatment, but such feelings should fade quickly.

If you want to ensure optimal recovery and avoid issues, it’s crucial to adhere to the dentist’s aftercare guidelines.

There are a lot of potential outcomes if you put off getting a filling.

1. Cavity Development

When decay is not treated, it spreads, and the cavity deepens. Over time, this can necessitate more painful and costly dental procedures like a root canal or tooth extraction.

2. Tooth Sensitivity

When a cavity progresses, a tooth’s inner layers may become vulnerable to microorganisms and extreme temperatures. Because of this, you may experience pain or discomfort whenever you try to eat or drink.

3. Bad Breath

Bad breath can be caused by decaying teeth, whose rotting pulp releases an odour.

4. Infection

There is a risk of systemic infection if dental decay reaches the pulp (nerve) of the tooth.

5. Difficulty eating

Decay can weaken a tooth, making it difficult to bite and chew as it spreads.

After getting a dental filling, following some post-treatment care instructions is essential to ensure proper healing and prevent any complications. Here are some tips for post-treatment care for dental fillings:

• Avoid eating or drinking for at least one hour after the procedure or until the anesthetic wears off. This will prevent you from accidentally biting or burning the numb area.
• Be gentle when brushing and flossing around the filled tooth for 24-48 hours after the procedure. This will help to avoid irritating the area and causing any discomfort.
• Avoid eating hard or sticky foods, such as candy or chewing gum, for the first 24 hours after the procedure. This will help to avoid dislodging or damaging the filling.
• Be aware of any sensitivity or discomfort around the filled tooth. This is normal and should subside within a few days. If the discomfort persists, contact your dentist.
• If you experience swelling or pain, apply a cold compress to the affected area. This will help to reduce swelling and discomfort.
• Attend any follow-up appointments scheduled by your dentist. They may want to check the filling and ensure it is adequately bonded to the tooth.
• Maintain good oral hygiene habits, including brushing twice daily, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
• By following these post-treatment care instructions, you can help ensure that your dental filling stays appropriate and lasts as long as possible.

We at Kigo Dental are committed to providing you with the best dental care available, and we do so with a smile.

Our entire staff, from receptionists to dental hygienists and assistants, is committed to providing you with the best quality dental care possible.

From the time you walk through the door and every time you revisit, you will experience this firsthand.

Kigo Dental has a team of experienced and skilled Orthodontists and other specialized dentists who specialize in providing high-quality dental care and treatments, utilizing the latest technologies and techniques to ensure the best patient outcomes.