DENTAL FILLING

Teeth deform and decay over time due to insufficient care or some diseases. A filling is a method that gives a damaged tooth or teeth due to caries its former function and appearance. Decaying, broken and cracked teeth cannot perform their functions which causes severe pain and sensitivity. In these cases, the filling method is used to remove the decayed tooth tissue and relieve pain. The cavity in the cleaned area is filled by the filling method, thus preventing bacteria from entering the cavities again and decaying the tooth root. The essential factor in choosing a filling is to choose the material that best suits the tooth structure of the person.

What are the types of dental filling?

The most commonly used fillings today are Amalgam, Composite and porcelain fillings. Factors such as the patient's allergy to a substance, the position of the tooth, and the size of the decay are very important in choosing a filling. Not every filling treatment is suitable for everyone.

What is silver amalgam?

Amalgam filling, popularly described as a silver filling, is obtained from a mixture of mercury, tin, copper and silver. It is the most suitable filling type in terms of price, and its durability level is also very high. It is especially resistant to pressure and chewing power, which brings this filling to be used frequently in the posterior teeth. However, recently, in terms of color and aesthetics, it is less preferred than other types of fillers.

What is composite filling?

Considering aesthetics, composite fillings in the color of teeth are usually one of the most preferred types of fillings. It is a filling material consisting of a mixture of plastic with very fine glass particles. Although the cost is not very high, it is in the tooth's colour, providing an aesthetically beautiful appearance.

What is porcelain filling?

Although the cost is slightly higher, features such as the absence of color change and stain resistance make porcelain fillings very popular. Porcelain fillings can be easily preferred for teeth that require more than one procedure. This filling material is also prepared in the laboratory and attached to the tooth.

How are dental fillings applied?

Primarily, the treatment begins with the removal of decay from the tooth surface. After the tooth is cleaned of decay and residues, the filling that is suitable to the patient preference and dentist approval is applied. In order for the patient not to feel any pain during this procedure, local anesthesia is applied, and the area where the procedure will take place is numbed. In this way, the procedure takes place painlessly and comfortably. After the procedure, the dentist can trim off any excess material that blocks teeth to close on each other. If this condition is identified, corrections are made by the dentist. After these procedures, the tooth regains its former function.

How do we know we need a dental filling?

Your dentist will decide on the filling. When you go to the dentist for the examination, he or she can determine whether your decay needs to be filled. A small mirror is used during the dental examination. Anything observed as abnormal is controlled with the help of a special device. Your dentist may want to x-ray a part of your mouth if required. The treatment chosen by the dentist varies according to the extent of the damage caused by caries.

How Are Dental Fillings Preserved?

In order for your filling to serve you for a long time, you should avoid all factors that can damage your teeth and fillings. Besides consuming extremely cold and hot foods, you should also avoid bad habits such as hard nuts, cigarettes and alcohol. Otherwise, the life of your filling will be shortened while your other teeth will be damaged.