Dental Fillings

Fillings, or dental fillings, are a common dental procedure used to restore teeth that have been damaged by decay (cavities), fractures, or wear. Early treatment of decay with a filling prevents its progression and the need for more complex and costly treatments.

When is a filling needed?

• Cavities:
  • When decay has created a cavity in the tooth, a filling is necessary to remove the bacteria and restore the tooth's structure.
• Fractures:
  • Fillings can be used to restore small fractures or cracks in teeth.
• Tooth wear:
  • Tooth wear due to grinding or other factors can be treated with fillings.
• Aesthetic improvements:
  • Fillings can be used to improve the appearance of teeth, such as closing small gaps or changing the shape of teeth.

How is the filling procedure done?

1. Local anesthesia:
   • Local anesthesia is administered if deemed necessary by the dentist to numb the area around the tooth.
2. Removal of decay:
   • The dentist removes the decay from the tooth with special tools.
3. Preparation of the tooth:
   • The cavity that was created is cleaned and prepared for the filling.
4. Application of the filling:
   • The filling material is placed into the cavity and shaped.
5. Hardening of the filling:
   • The filling hardens with a special light or through a chemical reaction.
6. Sanding and polishing:
   • The filling is smoothed and polished to ensure it's comfortable and matches the shape of the tooth.

What are the benefits of fillings?

• Restoration of tooth function:
  • Fillings restore the ability of teeth to chew and function properly.
• Prevention of decay progression:
  • They prevent the spread of decay to deeper layers of the tooth.
• Improving the aesthetics of your smile:
  • Composite resin fillings are tooth-colored and provide a natural result.
• Preservation of tooth structure:
  • They help preserve tooth structure and prevent the need for root canals or even extractions.

Fillings are a simple and effective procedure that can help you maintain the health and aesthetics of your teeth.