Dental Fillings

Definition: a procedure that uses filling material to replace missing tooth structure. It is used to restore damaged teeth due to decay, cavities or small fractures. 

There are several filling materials:

• Amalgam filling - durable filling that lasts for 10 - 15 years and it’s usually recommended for the back teeth, considering the pressure applied during chewing, and its silver colour.
• Composite resin - less durable and is not recommended for large missing tooth structures, but has the advantage of tooth-like colour 
• Gold filling - most durable filling that lasts for 15-20 years, and it’s usually recommended for the back teeth, considering the pressure applied during chewing, and its golden colour.
• Porcelain filling - called inlays or onlays.

How does it work?

First the doctor injects a local anesthetic to numb the area and the tooth itself, then he will place a dental dam (protective sheet made of rubber or vinyl) over the area of the tooth to isolate it from bacteria found in saliva and the rest of the mouth. Then the dentist uses a dental handpiece (a drill) to remove any decay and reshape the tooth for the filling material. This is followed by placing an acid gel on the reshaped surface so that the material is better cemented. At the end of the procedure the doctor will place the filling material that is preordered and custom made in a dental laboratory and cement it into the tooth. On the other hand, in the case of composite resin the dentist fills the missing structure with the material, cementing every layer by using a special bright light. The final stage is to polish the tooth structure for better comfort.

What are the risks?

• Allergic reaction to mercury (in the case of amalgam filling), gold or the anesthetic;
• The colour of the filling material can differ from the natural tooth colour;
• The filling material can fall off;
• Unsuccessful procedure.

How to prepare for the procedure?

There is no special preparation other than brushing and flossing your teeth.

How long does the procedure take?

Depending on the damage of the tooth it can take more than an hour.

How to recover after the procedure?

• After the procedure avoid hot or cold meals for a couple of days, as the tooth is more sensitive;
• Avoid eating hard food with that tooth for a couple of days;
• Avoid chewing gum so that the filling won’t fall off;
• Provide a proper oral hygiene;