A Dental filling is one of the most common procedures performed by dentists. There are a wide range of filling materials available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
The first step involves administering a local anesthetic. This numbs the area around the tooth, reducing pain and discomfort during the filling procedure.
Tooth decay
Tooth decay is a problem that can lead to pain in the tooth, bad breath and the need for fillings. The good news is that the condition can be reversed in the early stages. This is why it’s so important to visit the dentist for regular dental checkups.
A filling is a small cap that covers the damaged area of the tooth and protects it from further damage. There are many types of filling materials available, so your oral health professional will choose the best one for you.
A filling is most often used to treat a tooth with a cavity. Cavities are usually a result of eating sugary or starchy foods over long periods of time. These can eat through the enamel and expose the dentin to bacteria. Dental fillings can help to protect the dentin from bacteria, which can prevent additional cavities. Tooth decay can also occur due to worn out dental fillings or if the tooth has cracked or chipped.
Tooth fracture
A cracked tooth can be painful, especially if it exposes the nerve. This type of crack can also irritate the gums and cause pain in the chewing area. If left untreated, the crack can extend further and damage the inside of the tooth. A crack that extends into the root is a dental emergency and requires immediate attention.
A crack in a molar (the back teeth) can be treated with a tooth filling. Your dentist will assess the severity of the crack and recommend a treatment based on the extent of the damage.
Amalgam fillings (a mixture of liquid mercury with an alloy of silver, tin, and copper) can be used to repair a small fracture on the chewing surface of your tooth. These fillings are durable and inexpensive but do not last as long as other types of fillings. Composite resin fillings are made from a plastic material that is tooth-colored and highly resistant to staining. These fillings last five years or more, but they can chip off the tooth depending on where they are located. Glass ionomer cement is another tooth-colored option that is less durable than composite resin.
Tooth discoloration
Tooth discoloration is a common problem that can affect patients of all ages. It can manifest as intrinsic stains that originate within the tooth or extrinsic stains on the surface of the enamel. There are a variety of preventive strategies and treatment options available to help keep your smile bright.
These include brushing twice a day with ADA-approved toothpaste, flossing regularly, and visiting your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups. In addition, you should avoid acidic drinks and limit your intake of foods that stain the teeth.
In some cases, medication can also cause tooth discoloration. Certain antibiotics, such as tetracycline, can cause yellowing of the teeth or mottling. In some cases, the discoloration may be permanent, but there are ways to reduce the chance of this happening. Other medications can cause tooth discoloration as a side effect, such as antipsychotics or antihistamines. These stains are usually temporary, but if they persist, it is best to seek medical advice.
Tooth sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity is pain caused by the dentin—the softer, porous inner layer of your teeth. Unlike enamel, dentin contains tubules that provide a direct path to the nerve inside your tooth. When something hot, cold, sweet or acidic touches your teeth, these tubules are stimulated and send signals of discomfort to the brain.
Sometimes, a sudden episode of tooth sensitivity can indicate decay in a tooth. If this is the case, getting a filling can resolve or at least reduce the sensitivity pain.
You can also treat sensitivity by practicing good oral hygiene. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste and flossing twice daily are essential to keep your teeth healthy. Additionally, using a soft-bristle toothbrush and low-acid mouthrinses can help prevent the damage that leads to sensitivity. If you experience recurring or severe sensitivity, consult with your dentist for more recommendations. They can prescribe desensitizing toothpaste and in-office treatments to ease your discomfort. They may also recommend a different dental treatment, such as a crown, inlay or bonding, to correct the root cause of your sensitivity.
