Dental fillings are a type of tooth restoration that rid damaged areas of decaying material and fill the affected cavity with either amalgam (silver) or composite (white) material. Doctors give you a filling, he will remove the decayed material from your tooth, clean the area and replace the missing tooth with the filling material to prevent further decay.
Silver vs White
When it comes to the filling material that will replace the cavity in your damaged tooth, there are a couple of options to choose.
Silver fillings are made of durable amalgam so they are resistant to wear and tear and typically last about 10 to 15 years. These are the most inexpensive option for fillings, however, they are also the most noticeable because of their darker color. For this reason, some patients choose to use this material only for less visible teeth like molars.
White or tooth-colored fillings are made of a composite resin mixed to match your natural tooth color and placed directly into the cavity and hardens. Composite fillings are not as resilient as silver fillings and typically last 3-10 years. They may also chip or wear over time so they are not generally recommended for larger fillings. Due to their natural appearance, they are commonly used for front teeth and other more visible areas, however, this also makes them more vulnerable to stains.
Consultation and Planning
The first step in the dental filling procedure is to inspect the teeth to decide upon the best course of action for the patient. A dental filling is best suited for minor fractures and decay; for more severe cases other types of restorative dental treatment, such as a dental crown or implant, may be necessary.
A dentist can examine teeth with a dental probe and caries detecting liquid to investigate problematic areas. An X-ray may also be used to determine more precise information regarding the location and severity of the decay.
There are several options of materials suitable for a dental filling to fill and seal a cavity, helping to halt any further damage to the tooth, which might result from decay. For example, the material used for the filling, such as direct composite bonding, porcelain, glass ionomer, silver amalgam or gold inlays, can vary. The appropriate choice will depend on the specific factors such as where the cavity is located and the patient’s medical history, aesthetic needs, financial availability and preference.
Procedure
The first step in the dental filling procedure is to administer a local anesthetic so that the area around the affected tooth becomes numb, increasing the comfort of the patient throughout the procedure.
Next, the decayed or damaged tooth and its surrounding areas should be prepared for restoration. A dental hand-piece or laser may be used to remove the damaged parts of the tooth. An acid gel is used to cleanse the area to remove any remaining bacteria or debris. The filling material is then applied to the area to fill the cavity.
