Dental Filling Expert in Perumbakkam
Your Trusted Partner in Dental Filling
Tooth filling, a common dental procedure, is used to repair and restore teeth that have been damaged by cavities or minor fractures. We are here to provide you with top-notch care and guidance to tackle your problem and related teeth conditions.
Understanding Filling
Types of Tooth Filling
Amalgam Fillings
These silver-coloured fillings are made of a mixture of metals, including mercury, silver, tin, and copper. They are known for their durability and affordability
Composite Fillings
Also called tooth-coloured or white fillings, these are made of a resin material that can be matched to the colour of your natural teeth, making them a more aesthetically pleasing option.
Ceramic Fillings
These are made of porcelain and are highly durable and aesthetically pleasing, as they can be colour-matched to your teeth. They are often used for inlays, onlays, and crowns.
Glass Ionomer Fillings
These tooth-coloured fillings are made from a mixture of glass and acrylic. They are commonly used for smaller fillings, especially in children
Gold Fillings
Gold fillings, or inlays, are highly durable and well-tolerated by gum tissues. They are known for their longevity but are quite expensive and very visible.
Resin-Ionomer Fillings
These are a combination of glass and acrylic, similar to glass ionomer fillings, but with improved aesthetics and some durability
Uses of Dental Filling
Fillings need to be anchored and secured to the teeth to make chewing easier and prevent further damage, decay and loss of teeth. Dental treatment can be used in the following cases:
- Tooth decay, to fill holes that have formed in the enamel but have not affected the inner pulp of the teeth where the blood vessels and nerves are contained
- Injured or broken teeth where enamel has chipped off potentially exposing the tooth to decay
- To restore worn out or eroded teeth
Reasons for needing a Tooth Filling
Tooth decay
Tooth decay is the most common reason for needing a filling. Bacteria can feed on the sugars and starches left on your teeth by food or drink, causing plaque to form. The acids in plaque soften and then dissolve your enamel (the hard-protective coating on your teeth). This causes tiny holes which then grow bigger.
Acid erosion
Your protective enamel coating can get worn away by acids in certain foods and drinks, or by some medical conditions like reflux or hiatus hernia.
Chipping
You might have a sharp, broken or chipped tooth as part of an injury, or after eating something very hard. This can expose the inner parts of the tooth and lead to erosion over time.
Abrasion and attrition
This is when teeth get worn, and can be caused by brushing too aggressively or grinding your teeth.
How can you avoid fillings in future?
Practice good oral hygiene:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily to remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth.
Stay hydrated:
- Drink plenty of water to help wash away food particles and bacteria and maintain proper saliva production.
Brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes
Changing your toothbrush (or electric toothbrush head) at least once every three months
Regular dental check-ups:Visit your dentist for regular check-ups and professional cleanings. Your dentist can detect and address dental issues early on.
Avoiding/cutting down and managing your intake of sugary or acidic foods and drinks.
Frequently Asked Question on Tooth Filling
A tooth filling is a dental procedure where a damaged or decayed portion of a tooth is removed, and the resulting space is filled with a dental material to restore the tooth’s structure and function.
Common filling materials include amalgam (silver), composite (tooth-coloured), ceramic, glass ionomer, and gold. The choice depends on factors like aesthetics and the tooth’s location.
No, the procedure is typically painless as the dentist uses local anaesthesia to numb the tooth and surrounding area. You may feel some pressure but not pain.
It’s common to experience some sensitivity or mild discomfort for a few days after the procedure. Maintain good oral hygiene, avoid very hot or cold foods, and attend regular dental check-ups to ensure the filling’s longevity.
The lifespan of a filling varies based on the material and care. Amalgam fillings can last 10-15 years, while composites and ceramics may need replacement sooner, around 5-7 years.