What is a dental filling?
Dental fillings are a dental technique that uses artificial materials to fill holes or gaps in the enamel of teeth that are decayed, broken, or damaged.
The purpose of dental fillings is to seal cavities to prevent bacteria from entering and destroying the pulp and tooth tissue; and to restore the shape and improve the function of the tooth to its original state. Many patients with cavities also experience tooth sensitivity due to enamel loss, a condition that can also be significantly improved with dental fillings.
When do you need a dental filling?
The following cases require dental fillings:
1. Filling cavities
Tooth decay is one of the main reasons for needing a filling. The disease occurs when bacteria combine with sugar and ferment to form acid, which attacks the teeth and creates cavities. If teeth are not filled promptly, decay will penetrate the pulp and root, causing toothache and sometimes even requiring extraction.
2. Filling a chipped tooth
You may experience accidents that damage your teeth, such as cracks or fractures. Therefore, to restore their original shape and prevent further damage, you should consider dental fillings.
3. Filling gaps or spaces between teeth
People with gaps between their teeth due to uneven tooth size, improper chewing or biting habits, etc., are often advised by dentists to undergo cosmetic dental fillings. Filling these gaps helps adjust and fill the spaces between teeth, making them straighter and more even.
This method is usually suitable when the gaps between teeth are only about 2 mm. If the gaps between teeth are large and fillings would cause an imbalance, the dentist may recommend braces or porcelain veneers.
4. Tooth wear, cervical tooth defects
There are many causes of tooth wear, the most common being improper dental care, incorrect brushing technique, or brushing too hard, which causes rapid wear at the tooth neck. Using a hard toothbrush can also cause this, making teeth more sensitive and prone to pain.
5. A dental filling to replace an old filling.
If the old filling is damaged, worn, or no longer adheres properly to the tooth, the dentist may repeat the filling procedure to replace the old one. The dentist will remove the old filling and clean the tooth surface to prepare it for a new filling.
Types of dental fillings
When a cavity needs filling, after consulting with your dentist, you will choose the treatment method and materials to be used for filling (2). The dentist will consider using filling materials based on the size of the cavity, as well as the location of the cavity. Here are some common filling methods:
1. Amalgam fillings (silver fillings)
Amalgam is a silver-colored filling material, a combination of metals including mercury, silver, tin, and copper. It is a common dental material used by dentists for fillings. Amalgam is very durable and more affordable than tooth-colored or gold fillings; however, due to its darker color than natural teeth and its perceived health and environmental risks, amalgam is less commonly used. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises pregnant women and children under 6 years old against using silver fillings.
2. Composite fillings
Composites are a durable and strong mixture, often used in small to medium-sized fillings that can withstand moderate chewing pressure. They can be used on both incisors and molars and are close in color to natural teeth. (3)
3. Porcelain dental fillings
Porcelain fillings (or inlay/onlay fillings) are made of porcelain that is manufactured in a laboratory to fit the tooth mold and then bonded to the tooth by the dentist. Porcelain closely resembles the natural color of teeth and is resistant to staining, potentially covering the entire tooth surface. However, the cost of porcelain fillings is quite high.
4. Gold-plated dental fillings
Gold-plated dental fillings use filling materials made from an alloy of gold, copper, and other metals such as titanium. Gold has been used in dentistry for over 1,000 years due to its high durability. However, gold is more expensive than amalgam, and because it differs from the natural color of teeth, it is generally not used for front teeth.
5. GIC material
GIC (Glass Ionomer Cement) fillings are a relatively inexpensive and popular method of dental restoration. GIC material is a white powder containing fluoride to prevent cavities and is commonly used to fill cavities. It is frequently used in dentistry for filling incisors, baby teeth, and teeth that are not subjected to excessive force. However, GIC has lower durability and strength compared to composite materials.
Is getting a dental filling painful?
No. If you choose a reputable place, you will almost certainly not experience pain during a dental filling. Furthermore, the level of pain during a filling depends on several other factors, such as:
- The extent of tooth damage: If the tooth is severely damaged and the damage has reached the pulp, filling the tooth may cause pain and discomfort. However, the pain will not last long.
- Individual constitution: Everyone’s constitution is different. For those with sensitive constitutions, even a slight impact can cause discomfort. For those with normal constitutions, filling the tooth usually does not cause any discomfort.
- Filling material: If high-quality filling material is used, you will feel more comfortable and experience less pain during the filling process. Choosing low-quality filling material may cause irritation and incompatibility with the tooth, easily leading to pain.
- The location where the procedure is performed: To ensure a smooth, painless filling process and achieve the desired results, you need to choose a reputable clinic with a highly skilled dentist. At the same time, the cost of the filling will also be more reasonable. Therefore, when you want to have a cavity filled, choose a reputable hospital with modern facilities.
What is the dental filling procedure like?
Depending on the extent of tooth damage, your dentist will advise you on the most suitable filling method. Currently, there are two common types of dental fillings: direct fillings and indirect fillings.
1. Direct dental filling procedure
Direct filling is a simple dental procedure commonly used for many different oral health problems. Usually, just one appointment with the dentist is enough for a filling.
- Examination and consultation: First, the dentist will examine the area of the tooth needing filling, determine the size, and suggest several types of filling materials.
- Cleaning the cavity with instruments (dental drill).
- Filling: The dentist places the filling material into the cavity or the cleaned tooth. Initially, the filling material is in a liquid state, and after laser treatment, it gradually solidifies through a photopolymerization reaction in about 40 seconds.
- Adjusting the filling: The dentist will adjust the filling and remove excess material. Finally, the surface of the filling will be smoothed and polished.
The time for a direct filling usually ranges from 20 to 30 minutes, varying depending on the filling material and the condition of the tooth.
2. Indirect dental filling procedure
Indirect fillings are a modern method used to close the gap between the filling and the tooth tissue. Therefore, the initial examination steps are similar to direct fillings. The only difference is that the dentist will take an impression of the tooth and make the filling outside the tooth.
- Examination and consultation: First, the dentist will examine the area needing filling, determine the size, and recommend several types of filling materials.
- The dentist will use specialized instruments to remove decay, food debris, and tartar.
- Taking impressions: After cleaning the teeth, the dentist will take impressions to create the filling according to the shape and size of the tooth cavity. Usually, you need to come to the clinic the next day to complete the procedure.
- Fixing the filling: The dentist will use a special cement to firmly fix the filling to the tooth.
The harmful effects of improper dental fillings.
Risks and complications that can result from improper dental fillings:
- In the first few days after a filling, the filled tooth may itch or hurt when chewing, especially if eating hot or cold food.
- Sometimes, dental fillings can damage the nerves inside the tooth.
- There is a risk of infection at the filling site if oral hygiene is not maintained regularly.
How durable are dental fillings, and how often do they need to be refilled?
Depending on the advantages and disadvantages of each filling material, you can consider choosing the appropriate type of filling material. If you have front teeth, you should choose composite filling material to achieve aesthetic results while ensuring long-term durability.
You should seek out a hospital with a team of skilled dentists and modern equipment for your fillings. Experienced and highly skilled dentists will provide you with beautiful and safe filling results.
After filling, you should avoid hard, chewy, and dark-colored foods. Absolutely do not use your teeth to open objects, as this can easily dislodge the filling or even chip the natural tooth. Use dental floss to clean your teeth and brush properly to maintain the filling’s beauty and longevity.
