Dental Fillings: Restoring Your Smile

Dental fillings are a common and effective way to repair cavities, which are holes in your teeth caused by decay. When you eat or drink sugary foods and drinks, bacteria in your mouth produce acids that attack the enamel, the hard outer layer of your teeth. Over time, these acids can create tiny holes that can grow larger if left untreated.

Fillings are used to repair these cavities and prevent further damage to your teeth. They are also used to restore teeth which have been cracked or chipped.

Types of Dental Fillings

There are several types of dental fillings available, each with its own pros and cons:

1. Amalgam Fillings: These silver-colored fillings are made from a mixture of metals. They are known for their strength and durability and are a cost-effective option. However, some people have concerns about the presence of mercury in these fillings.

Amalgam fillings Pros:

• Durable and Long-lasting: Known for their strength and resistance to wear and tear.
• Cost-Effective: Generally the most affordable filling option.
• Can Prevent Recurring Decay: Effective at halting the spread of decay.

Amalgam fillings Cons:

• Appearance: Silver color can be noticeable and may not match the natural tooth color.
• More Extensive Drilling: Often requires more tooth structure removal compared to some other fillings.
• Mercury Content: While considered safe, some patients may have concerns about the presence of mercury.

2. Composite (White) fillings: These tooth-colored fillings are made of resin and are a popular choice for cosmetic reasons. They can be matched to the color of your natural teeth and require less tooth removal compared to amalgam fillings. However, they may not be as durable as amalgam and can be more prone to sensitivity.

Composite Fillings Pros:

• Natural Appearance: Blend seamlessly with the surrounding teeth for a more aesthetic result.
• Tooth-Colored: Offer a more natural-looking restoration.
• Less Invasive: Often require less tooth removal compared to amalgam fillings.

Composite Fillings Cons:

• Durability: May not be as durable as amalgam fillings, particularly in areas of
  high stress.
• Cost: Generally more expensive than amalgam fillings.
• Sensitivity: Can sometimes increase tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet
  foods.

3. Gold Fillings: These high-quality fillings are made of pure gold and are renowned for their strength and longevity. They are very durable and can withstand strong chewing pressure. However, they are more expensive than other types of fillings and may not be aesthetically pleasing to everyone.

Gold Fillings Pros:

• Extremely Durable: Highly resistant to wear and tear, making them a very long-lasting option.
• Strong: Can withstand the forces of biting and chewing effectively.
• Long-lasting: Known for their longevity and resistance to corrosion.

Gold Fillings Cons:

• Cost: Significantly more expensive than other filling materials.
• Appearance: Gold color may not be aesthetically pleasing to all patients.
• Multiple Appointments: Usually require multiple dental visits for placement.

4. Porcelain Fillings: These tooth-colored fillings are made of porcelain and offer a similar appearance to composite fillings. They are highly durable and non-toxic, but they are more expensive than other types of fillings and can sometimes cause problems with opposing teeth.

Porcelain Fillings Pros:

• Natural Appearance: Match the color of your natural teeth very well.
• Highly Durable: Strong and resistant to wear and tear, similar to gold fillings.
• Metal-Free: A good option for patients with metal allergies.

Porcelain Fillings Cons:

• Cost: The most expensive type of filling.
• Potential for Complications: Can sometimes cause problems with opposing teeth.
• Multiple Appointments: Typically require multiple dental visits for placement.

5. Glass Ionomer Fillings: These fillings are made of glass and release fluoride, which helps strengthen teeth and prevent further decay. They are easy to apply and cost-effective, but they are not as strong or durable as other types of fillings and have limited applications.

Glass Ionomer Fillings Pros:

• Easy Application: Can be quickly and easily placed by the dentist.
• Cost-Effective: Relatively inexpensive compared to other filling materials.
• Fluoride Release: Contains fluoride, which helps to strengthen the tooth and prevent further decay.

Glass Ionomer Fillings Cons:

• Limited Durability: Not as strong or durable as other filling materials.
• Susceptible to Wear and Tear: Can wear down more easily, especially in high-stress areas.
• Limited Applications: Not suitable for all cavities due to their limited strength.

The Dental Filling Procedure

The dental filling procedure usually involves the following steps:

1. Anesthesia: Your dentist will numb the area around the tooth to be filled.
2. Removal of decay: The decayed portion of the tooth will be removed using a drill.
3. Preparation of the tooth: The tooth will be shaped to receive the filling.
4. Placement of the filling: The filling material will be placed in the cavity and shaped to match the surrounding teeth.
5. Hardening of the filling: The filling material will be hardened using a special light.
6. Polishing of the filling: The filling will be polished to make it smooth and comfortable.

Risks and Benefits of Dental Fillings

Benefits:

• Restore tooth function: Fillings restore the strength and function of your teeth.
• Prevent further decay: Fillings prevent further decay from spreading to other areas of the tooth.
• Improve appearance: Tooth-colored fillings can improve the appearance of your smile.

Risks:

• Sensitivity: You may experience some sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks after getting a filling. This is usually temporary and should subside within a few weeks.
• Allergic reaction: Some people may be allergic to certain filling materials.
• Fracture: In some cases, the filling may fracture, especially if you bite down on hard objects.

Recovery and Outcome

Recovery from a dental filling is usually quick and painless. You may experience some minor discomfort or sensitivity for a few days after the procedure. However, you should be able to return to your normal activities right away.

With proper care, dental fillings can last for long time. However, it is important to brush and floss your teeth regularly and see your dentist for regular checkups to maintain good oral health.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your dentist to discuss the best treatment options for you.