Tooth Filling

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 -

Filling Material	Advantages	Disadvantages	Recommendation
Composite resin fillings	Aesthetics, tooth colored Better bonding to tooth structure Versatility Prevalent in the industry	Short Life Span Increased chair time Chipping of tooth Expensive	HIGH
Glass ionomer	Aesthetics, tooth colored Releases fluoride, which can help further protect the tooth Often used for young children	Limited Applicability, for filling below the gum line Limited Audience, for kids generally	MID
Silver amalgam	Durability Strength	Expensive Poor aesthetics Discoloration of tooth Cracks & Fractures Allergic Reactions to 1% of population	MID