Tooth Filling: Its types, benefits, and guide how to fill in teeth

Tooth fillings can fix the damage when teeth have holes, cracks, or decay. After removing the decayed pulp, a dentist can fix the tooth structure and fill the hole. Both composite resin and porcelain, tooth-colored options for amalgam, can also be used as fillings. Fillings can last between ten and twenty years, depending on the substance used. They fix holes and stop further decay.

Types of Tooth Filling

Tooth fillings, also called dental fillings and cavity fillings, are important for repairing cavities and performing dental restoration functions. Many materials can fill holes, each best suited to your teeth’s size, shape, and appearance.

• Fillings of Amalgam

Mercury, silver, tin, and copper are mixed to make amalgam fillings. Silver fillings are a great choice for bigger gaps, especially in the back teeth, because they are cheap and last long. They are strong and long-lasting and not easily broken when chewed hard. Their main drawback is that they are silver, which isn’t always the most attractive color.

• Composite Resin Fillings

Composite fillings are made of plastic and small bits of glass or quartz. People like these fillings because they can look like real teeth in places that get a lot of attention. They look realistic, fill in small gaps, and are nice. Composite fillings can be changed every 5 to 10 years because they last longer than amalgam.

• Ceramic Fillings

Ceramic fillings, usually made of porcelain, look beautiful and last long. They are less noticeable than mercury or composite fillings and won’t stain. Their big advantage is that they match your teeth and don’t stain easily. But with other options, they’re expensive and easy to break.

• Gold Fillings

Mixing gold with other metals makes gold fillings strong and long-lasting. In good condition, they can last for many years. They fill in teeth’ big holes well. There’s a good thing about it lasting a long time. The bad thing is that it costs a lot and has to be inserted over time.

• Other Filling Options

Other types of fillings include Glass Ionomer Fillings and Indirect Fillings. 

• Using Glass Ionomer Fillings

The glass and plastic in these amalgam fillings make them safe for kids’ teeth because they produce fluoride, which helps in preventing cavities.

• Indirect Fillings

These include inlays and onlays made in a lab and fitting to your teeth perfectly. These are great alternatives if you don’t need a full crown for a badly broken tooth.

7 Benefits of Dental Filling or Tooth Filling

Tooth/dental fillings have many advantages, and we will explore seven pros of tooth filling. 

• Depending on the material, dental fillings have a 7 to 15-year lifespan.

• Putting a filling in a tooth gap, stops the growth of germs that cause cavities.

• Tooth fillings fix broken teeth and strengthen them so they don’t break easily.

• Fillings can fix broken teeth so they look normal and make food-biting easier.

• Tooth-coloured fillings fit in with your teeth, giving you confidence and a natural smile.

• Some fillings let fluoride out, which protects teeth and stops more damage.

• You might not need more intensive dental work in the future if you get fillings.

A Tooth Filling Procedure: Step-by-step guide

Most people have dental fillings done by dentists, but knowing what to expect could make the experience more pleasant. The information below gives you a general idea of what to expect in a tooth-filling process. However, the actual process may differ based on the material your dentist uses.

Step 1: Numbing the Tooth

First, with a local anesthetic, the dentist numbs the area around the tooth that causes pain. This is needed to keep you from discomfort while the filling is done. Since the anesthesia covers the tissue around the tooth, the dentist can work on it without hurting it.

Step 2: Decay removal and tooth preparation

After putting the patient to sleep, the dentist will remove the broken or decaying tooth with special tools like a drill, laser, or air abrasion tool. The dentist’s skill level and the tools available may affect the choice of tools. Once the decaying tissue is eliminated, the dentist will clean the area well to remove germs or other things that could cause more decay if they stay in the tooth.

Dentists may put a protected liner on areas breaking down near the pulp chamber or nerve to keep the nerve from worsening. This liner is usually made of glass ionomer or composite resin.

Step 3: Filling in a Tooth Gap

After preparing the tooth, the dentist will choose the dental filling material to fill the hole. It could be composite resin, silver amalgam, or something else. Composite resins and other tooth-colored fillings are usually applied in stages to ensure they last longer.

Using a dentistry curing lamp, each layer of composite fillings is made stronger. This step, called “curing,” ensures that each layer is completely dry before adding the next one. This process produces a filling that lasts long and blends in with your tooth’s enamel to look and feel natural.

Step 4: Shaping and Polishing

After the filling has been placed, the dentist shapes and trims it to fit the tooth’s natural shape. Once it is in the desired shape, they smooth the filling. Polishing the filling makes it look better and ensures that biting doesn’t hurt.

Step 5: Checking Your Bite

The last thing the dentist is supposed to do is to check whether the filling working well. For this purpose, the dentist offers a food item to take a bite. If the filling is uneven or gets in the way of your bite, the dentist may change it to make it look more natural.

Talk to your doctor about soothing options if you get nervous during dental work. Sedation dentistry might help you feel more at ease and relaxed during the procedure.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, tooth filling is a crucial and useful method for restoring tooth function, fixing cavities, and stopping further damage. Different people have different wants and preferences when it comes to fillings. Some of the options are amalgam, composite, ceramic, and gold. It’s easy and won’t hurt, and your dentist will ensure the treatment fits your needs. No matter how big the filling is, making smart choices will help you keep your teeth healthy and your smile beautiful for years to come.

FAQ’s

How long does tooth filling last?

The composition of a tooth filling impacts its life expectancy. Composite fillings typically last between five and ten years, while amalgam fillings can last eight to ten years. Fillings composed of ceramic or gold have a longer lifespan, 15 years or more, with proper maintenance. 

Is tooth filling painful?

No, generally, the filling procedure is not painful because anesthesia is used to numb the area. You may feel pain after the filling, but it generally disappears in a few days.

What happens in a tooth filling?

The decayed area of the tooth is removed, and the cavity is filled with materials like amalgam, composite, etc., which makes restoring the tooth’s function and shape difficult. 

Can a chipped tooth be filled?

Yes, composite resin can often fix a broken tooth and restore it to healthy function. If the damage is severe, you might need a cap or veneer instead.