Tooth fillings are an excellent way to restore your smile and protect your teeth from further damage when tooth decay or a broken tooth gets out of hand. Thanks to modern dentistry, tooth and cavity fillings are a terrific way to get your chewing and smiling operations back in order.
Here are 5 Facts You Must Know Regarding Tooth Filling & About How to Prevent Tooth Pain
Process of Tooth Filling
Drilling
Your tooth is first drilled with a dental device to remove the decayed section. The sound and the thought of a drill machine inside the mouth can become very scary. However, this is a painless procedure that gets finished in minutes.
Local Anaesthesia
The dentist may use a shot to numb the area around your infected tooth in special situations like tooth sensitivity. You will lose all sensation in the teeth and gums and feel zero pain in the region. The effect of local anaesthesia generally lasts a few hours, within which time the dentist completes the job.
Prepping the Tooth
Once the dentist removes the decayed portion, they clean the cavity, flushing it and ensuring no bacteria or debris remains. It is a vital step before the filling session is done. Next, depending on the depth of the cavity, your dentist will start lining the cavity with resin so that the nerves are protected.
Cost of Dental Fillings
The cost of dental fillings will vary, depending on the material. Some are a little costlier than others. Some are stronger, last much longer and also come with a guarantee. However, they all naturally serve the same purpose.
Procedure & Process Involved
The dentist creates the filling at the time of the cavity operation and fills in the cavity in layers. A unique blue-coloured light is focused on the tooth with the filling to slow the polymerisation of the applied composite material.
Shaping the Tooth
Once the tooth’s structure is created, the dentist shapes and polishes it to give it a natural look and feel. Then, the excess material is removed to ensure that the teeth are aligned correctly and that the bite is perfect.
How long does the dental filling last?
On average, a dental filling can last between 4 to 7 years. Some fillings do last longer than this and can even last lifelong. It totally depends on the wear and tear that your tooth endures.
Types of Dental Fillings
There is a large range of tooth fillings for you to choose from, and each has its positives and negatives. Various dental fillings differ in strength, material and overall quality. Patients can consult their dentists to decide which filling best suits them based on aesthetics and cost.
Composite Filling
Composite fillers are some of the most popular choices because they look natural and are easy to match the colour of the patient’s teeth. They are perfect for filling small cavities and are relatively hard-wearing.
Silver Amalgam Filling
Silver Amalgam fillings are a durable material that doesn’t crack under pressure and are perfect for filling molars located at the back region of the mouth. The only drawback is that they are easily visible because of their colour. The critical point is that they are inexpensive and durable.
Porcelain Filling
Porcelain or ceramic fillings are aesthetically appealing and resemble natural teeth, matching your teeth’ exact colour and texture. They don’t stain easily, come with a guarantee and are among the costliest fillings available.
Cost of Dental Filling Based On Material
The cost of dental fillings depends mainly on the filling selected. Imported filling materials cost more than locally sourced materials. However, the benefits of obtaining dental filling for your tooth are much more than the standard costs.
Tooth Decay Treatment
Tooth decay happens when there is a constant plaque buildup on your tooth. Plaque is a layer of bacteria that forms on teeth. When we eat starchy food, the bacteria in the plaque produce acids that start attacking our tooth enamel. Over time, these acids suck out minerals from our teeth, erode the enamel, and cause tooth decay and, eventually, cavities. Tooth decay can affect people of all age brackets. The treatment for tooth decay varies.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride is a mineral that can help strengthen your tooth’s enamel. Dentists use fluoride in various forms to help stop and repair the damage that has occurred due to tooth decay. Dentists can apply professional fluoride directly to the teeth. These fluoride treatments are generally quick and only consume a few minutes. The fluoride is in the form of a gel, foam, or solution.
Crowns
To place a crown, your dentist will first remove the outer portion of the tooth and any decayed section. The dentist will use a temporary impression of the tooth and place a temporary crown until the permanent one is made for fitting, usually within 1–2 weeks.
Root Canal
A dentist can perform a root canal treatment to prevent the need for extraction when the tooth’s pulp is damaged. The dentist may also apply medicine to the tooth to eliminate any bacteria. The dentist will fill the root canals with a rubbery substance and place a crown or filling on the tooth to restore it.
Tooth Extraction
Dentists may recommend tooth extraction if your tooth goes beyond a certain point of damage. Therefore, tooth decay at an early stage can be reversible.
Broken or Cracked Tooth
A broken or cracked tooth requires immediate attention, and you should visit your dentist quickly. If you have a broken tooth or just a tiny piece of tooth enamel chipped, your dentist might be able to repair the damage with a filling. If the repair is for a frontal tooth or can be seen when you smile, your dentist will use a process called dental bonding, which uses a tooth-coloured composite resin. Bonding is a procedure that usually doesn’t require numbing. To bond a tooth, the dentist first uses a liquid or gel to roughen the surface so that the bonding material sticks to it.
If you are looking for a trusted clinic that provides the best tooth-filling treatment in Delhi, contact us at Kamal Dental Clinic, a dental clinic in South Delhi.