Dental Fillings

What is Dental Fillings?

Dental fillings help to restore your teeth damaged by decay back to their normal function, and can prevent further decay.

What are the types of Dental Fillings?

There are different types of dental fillings, such as:

• Gold fillings: They are made to order in a laboratory and then cemented into place.
• Silver Fillings – Dental Amalgam: They are resistant to wear and relatively inexpensive and generally used in back teeth.
• Composite (plastic) resins,(Tooth Colored Fillings) : A light is used to harden it. And it can be chewed on immediately after it has been completed.
• Porcelain fillings: They can be matched to the color of the tooth and resist staining.

Dental Fillings is Suitable for me?

A tooth filling is recommended for patients with a cavity. But some of the patients may require root canal treatment before getting dental fillings.

What are the Benefits of Dental Fillings?

Each type of fillings has own advantages and disadvantages. Both gold and silver amalgam fillings are relatively strong and durable, but they are not tooth-colored, so they’re usually used only for back teeth. Composite resin fillings might need to be changed more often, but they resemble natural teeth, often to the point of being completely indistinguishable from them.

Which Anesthesia Method is used in the Operation?

Dentists generally use local anesthesia for this treatment.

What are the Stages of Dental Fillings?

First of all dental X-rays are usually required before placing a dental filling. The x-rays are done in order to ensure that the tooth is not cracked and that the roots are healthy. Then the area is first numbed with local anesthesia before your dentist begins removing all decayed parts of the tooth. The next step depends on the material used but usually once the filling is placed, minor touches are also done in order to ensure a proper fit and good functionality. Finally your dentist will then polish the tooth, making it less visible.

Dental Fillings Aftercare

It is very important not to chew on the numb side until the anesthesia wears off.

With silver fillings, you should not chew hard and sticky foods or chew directly on the new fillings for the first 24 hours.

Refrain from drinking hot beverages. For example coffee or tea.

Be sure you are taking proper care of your teeth. In other words, you should brush and floss your teeth, which can help to prevent more decay in your other teeth.

When you Should Call your Dentist?

If after a few days you experience increasing pain and swelling, you must call your dentist as soon as possible.

How Many Days Needed for the Treatment?

White Filling can be completed in 1 hour.