Sometimes we have a single or more cavities, and the dentist has to remove the decayed portion of our tooth to fill in the area. The primary purpose of dental filling is to repair broken or cracked teeth and the ones that have worn from misuses like tooth grinding or nail biting. These days, dental filling has become a standard dental treatment, and patients of all ages can benefit from the procedure when they need to address a poorly shaped tooth.
Let’s find out more about the dental filling procedure.
Why Do We Need a Dental Filling?
A dental filling is a therapeutic process done by the dentist to repair a chipped, broken, cracked, or decayed tooth. Usually, the doctor performs it for those with cavities, and it is up to the dentist to decide the need for a tooth filling. There are a few signs that you need to notice that help you to determine whether you need a dental filling or not.
- Tooth sensitivity when you consume hot or cold foods and drinks.
- A toothache.
- A black hole in the tooth.
- Problems when you floss due to thread shedding.
Types of Dental Fillings
Many materials are available for dental fillings, and all of these vary in colour and strength.
- Metal Fillings
Gold or silver are the most widely used metals for filling cavities. Although gold fillings can be costly, some people prefer them because of their durability. Some prefer something other than the look of these metal fillings, but these fillings can easily last for 10 to 15 years before one thinks of replacing them.
- Composite Fillings
These are known as filled resins or composites and are a mixture of glass, whereas one can customise them to match the colour of the teeth. These fillings are also durable and best for small or medium-sized tooth restorations with moderate chewing.
- Ceramic Fillings
The ceramic cavity filling is customised and comes with a tooth colour. It is made of porcelain and is, therefore, less likely to stain the teeth when we compare it to the composite filling.
- Amalgam Fillings
Dentists have used this filling for more than a century. The amalgam filling is solid and ideal for filling the cavities in the back of the mouth, which includes molars. It combines metallic elements, so others notice it when people smile or laugh.
What is the Dental Filling Procedure?
There are a few steps involved in the dental filling procedure.
- The process starts by numbing or sedating the patient through nitrous oxide. The idea is to keep the patient comfortable during the filling procedure. Although there may not be severe pain, removing infected tooth parts can be uncomfortable.
- After numbing, the dentist begins the treatment by removing the tooth’s infected parts with the help of a drill.
- When the dentist removes the infected parts, he cleans the cavity. This way, the debris left behind by the dental drill is removed. Other than that, cleaning is to disinfect the inner cavity.
- In the end, the dentist places the dental filling, which can be composed of ceramic, metal, or composite bonding.
Dental Filling in Bendigo, VIC, Australia
When you need a dental filling, the best way is to consult your dentist to start the process. Integrated Smiles offers its clients robust, non-corrosive, and long-lasting dental fillings. Our expert dentists will evaluate quickly to determine the right course of action for you. In addition to that, Integrated Smiles will answer any questions and concerns you have regarding the dental filling procedure.
Contact Integrated Smiles today to learn more about dental fillings or schedule an appointment.
