To treat a cavity, we will remove the decayed portion of the tooth and then “fill” the area on the tooth where the decayed material was removed.
Fillings are used to repair worn down teeth often from misuse such as Nail Biting, Tooth Grinding, Natural Decay
Steps for filling a tooth
- A drill, air abrasion instrument will be used to remove the decayed area.
- We will probe or test the area to determine if all the decay has been removed.
- Once the decay has been removed, we will prepare the space for the filling by cleaning the cavity of bacteria and debris.
- If the decay is near the root, we may first put in a liner made of glass ionomer, composite resin, or other material to protect the nerve. We may even suggest to opt for RCT.
- After the filling is in, we will finish and polish it.
Types of filling materials
Today, several dental filling materials are available. We may suggest multiple options based on the patient’s case. Below are the few -
- Composite resin fillings
- Recommendation: HIGH
- Advantages:
- Aesthetics, tooth colored
- Better bonding to tooth structure
- Versatility
- Prevalent in the industry
- Disadvantages:
- Short Life Span
- Increased chair time for patients
- Chipping of tooth
- Expensive
- Glass ionomer
- Recommendation: MID(Conditional)
- Usages:
- For Filling below the gum line
- Often used for young children
- Advantages:
- Aesthetics, tooth colored
- Releases fluoride, which can help further protect the tooth
- Disadvantages:
- Short life span
- Silver amalgam
- Recommendation: LOW
- Advantages:
- Durability
- Strength
- Disadvantages:
- Expensive
- Poor aesthetics
- Discoloration of tooth
- Cracks & Fractures
- Allergic Reactions to 1% of population