People who need dental fillings typically have cavities, broken or cracked teeth, or missing teeth. Cavities occur when food and bacteria accumulate in the grooves and pits of teeth, and the acid that is produced by the bacteria erodes the enamel. If a cavity is left untreated, it can progress and cause decay, which can lead to pain and other serious dental issues. Broken or cracked teeth can occur due to injury, and missing teeth can be due to decay, injury, or genetics. Fillings can be used to repair or replace damaged or decayed teeth, and prevent further damage from occurring.
Before getting a dental filling, your dentist will need to take an X-ray to determine the size and depth of the cavity. This will help them decide what type of filling material is best for you. Your dentist may also recommend a topical fluoride treatment to strengthen the tooth prior to the filling. If you have an infection or decay, they may prescribe antibiotics to help clear it up before the filling. In some cases, a root canal may be necessary prior to the dental filling.
Once the necessary preparations have been made, your dentist will clean and prepare the area for the filling. This may involve removing any decay or infection present, as well as shaping the area to make it easier to place the filling. They may also use a local anesthetic to numb the area to make the procedure more comfortable.
Once the area has been prepared, your dentist will place the filling material and shape it to fit the area. When the filling is in place, they will use a special light to harden the material and make it permanent. Finally, your dentist will check the area to make sure the filling is secure and make any necessary adjustments.
Dental fillings are a type of treatment used to repair or replace damaged or decayed teeth. They can be used to fill cavities, repair broken or cracked teeth, and even to replace missing teeth. Fillings are made from a variety of materials, including gold, silver amalgam, composite resin, and porcelain.
The most common type of filling is the amalgam filling, which is made of a combination of silver, tin, copper, and other metals. Amalgam fillings are strong, long-lasting, and relatively inexpensive, making them a popular choice for dental fillings.
Another type of filling is the composite resin filling, which is made from a combination of plastic and glass particles. Composite fillings are usually tooth-colored, which makes them a good choice for fillings that are visible when you smile. Composite fillings are also durable and can be used to fix small and medium-sized cavities.
The third type of filling is the porcelain filling, which is made from a strong, ceramic-like material. Porcelain fillings are strong and very durable, and they can also be matched to the color of your teeth.