Dental Fillings

What are dental fillings and why does one need them?

Dental fillings are a choice of treatment to address teeth cavities or holes. These cavities result from tooth decay, bad oral hygiene or incorrect brushing of the teeth. 

Dentists suggest dental fillings so as to correct broken or cracked teeth to repair cavities and rebuild the structure of the teeth

Materials used for dental fillings and how to select them?

Dental fillings need to be strong and durable and hence dentists recommend high-quality materials. Accordingly, four types of fillings exist based on their durability and cost.
  1. Metal fillings – gold and silver – are usually expensive and can last for up to 15 years. They are visible and hence preferred for molars. These types of fillings can withstand hard biting and chewing.
  2. Amalgam fillings are typically a combination of two or more metals to strengthen the teeth. For example, a tooth decay treatment needs a combination of silver, zinc and copper depending upon the effect of the cavity or as per the dentist’s advice.
  3. Composite resin fillings, known for their tooth color appearance are widely chosen for front teeth. Comparatively, these fillings are less durable than metal and amalgam.
  4. Porcelain fillings. Dentists and patients prefer this type when there is a need for larger fillings. Also known as ceramic, these are the most durable. People with aesthetic concerns go for this type of dental filling as they are cost effective as well.

As a part of dental cavity treatment, dentists suggest the type of filling that fits best for particular teeth cavities. Also, the filling materials differ in their cost as well as their stain resistance capacities. For example, Ceramics or Porcelain materials suit for permanent tooth filling followed by composite filling and gold.

Symptoms that show you need a filling

  • Your food gets stuck often
  • You feel the pain while eating hot or cold foods
  • Broken or chipped teeth obstructing your smile
  • Bad breath
  • Unable to chew properly

The above symptoms show that one needs immediate dental attention and filling by an expert dentist. If delayed the problem may lead to tooth extraction.

What if one doesn't undergo dental filling even after having cavities?

If a person with cavities or chipped teeth doesn’t undergo dental fillings, the bad bacteria in the mouth affects dentin. Dentin – the hard part below the tooth enamel protects the teeth by supporting it. If there is an infection and not treated on time, the infection spreads to the nerve causing severe pain and bleeding. This results in the need for a root canal treatment or tooth extraction.

National Dental Care recommends the ideal dental treatment in Hyderabad that meets quality standards without compromising on hygiene and safety. NDC adopts updated technology and tools to bestow skillful treatment upon its patients. A cost-effective yet efficient solution is the motto of NDC.

You may have your preferred dentist in Panjagutta as suggested by your friend or someone else. But visiting a renowned hospital with prominent doctors is much more needed than something high-end. Tooth fillings are not just a one-day solution, the material that a dentist suggests should be durable, cost-effective and also fit the affected place right. NDC has genuine reviews from its past patients that you can rely on.

Dental fillings are famous in one top dental hospital in Yousufguda, a major city neighborhood. Many people prefer the destination for reasons they have. Cost, durability, and number of visits play a major role in deciding on a hospital.

What is the procedure for dental filling?

Step-by-step procedure of dental fillings:

Your dentist first identifies the affected area to determine the intensity of the cavity. It may even sometimes need an x-ray. If it is a cracked or broken tooth, you may need more sittings. The dentist proceeds with a permanent tooth filling after a temporary filling is successful.

Before proceeding to a dental filling, the dentist cleans out the debris in the tooth, if needed opts for drilling to the extent of the decay.

Accordingly, a mixture of materials is used in layers. The bottom-most layer, i.e., close to the root is done with glass fillings. Then comes either ceramic or silver amalgam or gold.

Finally, you may get tooth polishing preferably.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q.1. How long can a dental filling last?

Depending on the type of material used for filling and the care one takes of it, a typical filling can last for up to 10 to 15 years. 

Q.2. How many visits are needed for a dental filling?

An experienced dentist can usually fill up all the cavities of a person in a single visit. Provided, the material must be finalised and also the depth of the cavity must be pre-analyzed to avoid wearing off the filling.

Q.3. Can a dental filling go wrong?

It happens very rarely. When done by a professional, a filling doesn’t go wrong. 

Q.4. How to find out a wrongly done filling?

If one feels prolonged pain or discomfort after getting a dental filling or if they still experience tooth sensitivity, then there is a need to revisit the dentist.