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The Importance of Dental Fillings
Dental fillings offer a range of benefits beyond preventing further decay in already decayed teeth. By cleaning and disinfecting the damaged area, dentists prepare it for filling and sealing with the appropriate material. This process not only prevents decay progression but also restores the size, shape, and functionality of the affected teeth, allowing you to eat without concern and speak clearly.
Additionally, dental fillings are effective in improving the structure and shape of fractured teeth, while also covering unsightly holes caused by dental decay, resulting in a more aesthetically pleasing smile. However, it's important to note that the cosmetic benefits of fillings are primarily applicable to minor cavities and discoloration.
Benefits of Dental Fillings
Prevents the Spread of Cavities: Dental fillings eliminate cavity-causing bacteria, stopping their spread from one tooth to the next. The dental filling not only disinfects decayed teeth but also seals the decayed area so the bacteria won’t make their way back in, stopping cavities in their tracks.
Improves Tooth Structure: Cavities typically hollow out teeth, compromising their structure. This impacts the tooth’s strength and makes them susceptible to further damage. Dental fillings reinforce the structure to help prevent further damage.
Improves the Teeth’s Color: Dentists sometimes use dental filling materials to hide imperfections in your teeth like stains and discoloration. The filling material mimics your natural tooth color, blending seamlessly with your smile.
The Dental Filling Process
Step 1: Numbing and removing Dental Decay
The first step involves injecting a local anesthetic at the treatment site to numb it and ensure a painless procedure. The dentist will then use a drill and suction tube to drill away the decayed portions of your teeth. What’s left behind is a healthy tooth structure.
Step 2: Preparation and Etching
Once the dentist removes all the decayed parts, the dentist will clean and disinfect the remaining tooth structure to prepare it for filling. The dentist then applies an etching solution to the tooth surface to roughen it up and increase the surface area for adhesion with the filling material.
Step 3: Filling Placement and Curing
The dentist carefully places the filling material into the affected tooth. This filling material is typically made from amalgam or composite resin and is putty-like. The dentist will then mold it to match your tooth’s natural shape before curing it to harden with a special blue light.
Step 4: Final Adjustments, Polishing and Evaluation
Once hardened, the dentist will take bite impressions to check whether your teeth align. They’ll then make final adjustments and polish the filling to match your tooth’s natural contours. The dentist will ask you whether you’re comfortable biting and chewing before releasing you home with post-treatment instructions.
Signs You May Need a Filling
Tooth sensitivity: You may need a dental filling if one of your teeth feels extremely sensitive to hot and cold food and drinks.
Decayed teeth: You’ll need dental fillings to fill decayed teeth, which stops further decay and salvages your tooth.
Darks spots on the teeth: Dentists will recommend dental filling to cover the dark spots on your teeth and restore your smile to its former glory.
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