Dental Filling – Material, and Procedure to Expect

Treatments like root canal involve the construction of a hole for the removal of infected pulp. The hole must be filled otherwise, the tooth can be attacked by some other bacteria. Another infection can make your life miserable. To cover that hole, a filling material is poured. The process of adding filling is called the dental filling procedure. Fillings can also treat cracked, fractured, chipped teeth. The filling does not give you a different look. They also protect the nerves before any damage occurs.

The Procedure of Dental Fillings

Filling treatment requires extra care. Any mishap can result in the worst experience. Further dental damage can be caused if the filling procedure is handled with little care. Here are the steps that the dentists follow for better results of the filling.

Numbing the Surgical Site

First, the dentist will numb the surgical site with local anesthesia. The process begins with a little pain therefore, numbing the site is necessary. Just a pinch of the injection and after that, you will not feel anything the entire procedure.

Cleaning the Site of Action

Once numb, the surgical site will be cleaned. If you have a tooth infection, a hole will be drilled and the infected pulp will be scratched. Surrounding gums will also be cleaned. Cleaning makes the dental filling more effective. Also, the amount of filling is identifiable for a clean tooth.

Protecting the Nerves

After cleaning, an antibacterial rinse will be used for better removal of contaminants. Now the dentist will make sure the nerves stay protected. If the nerves get infected, there is a high chance that they will lose the activity. To protect the nerves, a resin or glass ionomer sheet is placed.

Pouring the Filling Material

After cleaning and protecting, the final step is performed. This step includes the filling material. You get different choices for the filling material and that filling is added in the last step. The dentist will shape the filling according to the need for a natural and attractive look. Lastly, the filling will be polished to complete the look.

These are the basic steps that every dentist follows. Dental fillings types differ and so do the number of steps. For colored fillings, the steps are increased and the time required also increases.

Types of Filling Material

Dental fillings material comes in different forms. You have four choices in the material of dental fillings to choose from. The four types have been discussed below.

Composite Resin Fillings

This filling is matched with the color of your teeth. The dentist advises them when the patients requires a completely natural look of the filling. If you are searching for a natural-looking solution to your cracked, chipped, or broken teeth, this may be the right choice. They are a good choice but it is better that you choose some other material because composite resin can chip over time. Staining is possible and last for three to 10 years.

Porcelain Filling Material

They are manufactured in a laboratory when asked for. Dentists also call them inlays or onlays. They get an advantage over composite resin filling because they can withstand staining. The dental fillings cost of porcelain filling is the same as gold filling.

Gold Filling Material

This filing is also manufactured when the patient asks for it. The gum tissues can easily tolerate gold fillings and the lifespan is higher for gold filling. They last for more than 20 years. The choice is expensive. The lasing ability of gold makes it the best filling material for several professionals.

Silver Filling Material

Also known as an amalgam filling, the silver filling material is a durable choice to make. They do not look natural but they are strong enough to withstand any jerk. The choice is comparatively inexpensive.

Glass Ionomer Filling

This is an effective choice for the little ones. Their teeth are changing and this filling can help their teeth get stronger. The filling releases fluoride but lasts for less than five years. They are comparatively weak and do not look natural.

Dental filling procedure is badly needed after a cleaning process. It is a restorative dentistry method that gives your smile a better and natural look. Our dentists will make sure you get the right information about the treatment first. You will be comforted and provided with the latest technology for the best results.