Dental Fillings
What are dental fillings?
Dental fillings are single or combinations of metals, plastics, glass or other materials used to repair or restore teeth. One of the most popular uses of fillings is to “fill” an area of tooth that your dentist has removed due to decay – “a cavity.” Fillings are also used to repair cracked or broken teeth and teeth that have been worn down from misuse (such as from nail-biting or tooth grinding).
Dental fillings are used to treat cavities or dental caries, which are areas of the tooth that have been damaged by decay-causing bacteria. Here are the primary issues that dental fillings address:
What’s do it treat:
1. Tooth Decay:
Treatment: Dental fillings are primarily used to treat cavities caused by the decay of tooth structure.
How it Works: The decayed portion of the tooth is removed, and the resulting cavity is filled with a restorative material to restore the tooth’s structure and function.
2. Cavity Restoration:
Treatment: Fillings are placed to restore the shape and function of a tooth that has lost part of its structure due to decay.
How it Works: After removing the decayed material, a filling material is used to fill the cavity, preventing further decay and restoring the tooth’s integrity.
3. Tooth Protection:
Treatment: Fillings provide protection to the tooth by sealing off the cavity and preventing bacteria from entering.
How it Works: The filling material acts as a barrier, preventing the spread of decay and protecting the inner layers of the tooth.
4. Tooth Strengthening:
Treatment: Dental fillings help strengthen weakened or damaged teeth.
How it Works: The filling material reinforces the tooth structure, preventing further deterioration and providing additional support.
5. Pain Relief:
Treatment: Fillings can alleviate tooth sensitivity and pain associated with cavities.
How it Works: By removing the decay and filling the cavity, the filling material can reduce or eliminate discomfort caused by exposed nerves or damaged tooth structure.
6. Restoration of Function:
Treatment: Fillings restore the normal function of the tooth for biting and chewing.
How it Works: Once the decay is removed, and the filling is in place, the tooth can resume its regular function without hindrance.
Results:
- Dental fillings are effective in restoring teeth that have been affected by decay.
- The results include the elimination of decay, restoration of tooth structure, and relief from any associated discomfort.
Longevity:
The longevity of dental fillings depends on the type of filling material:
- Amalgam Fillings: Amalgam fillings (silver-colored) are known for their durability and can last for many years, often over a decade.
- Composite Fillings: Composite resin fillings (tooth-colored) are aesthetically pleasing but may have a slightly shorter lifespan compared to amalgam fillings. They typically last around 5 to 10 years.
- Gold and Ceramic Fillings: These materials can also have a long lifespan, similar to amalgam fillings.
