General Dentistry: The Basics of Dental Fillings

In general dentistry, dental fillings are what dentists use to fill cavities and restore moderately decayed teeth. It is the oldest and most common type of tooth restoration performed by dentists. If you feel a slight twinge in your tooth when you consume something cold, hot or sweet, chances are you have a cavity that needs filling.

Types of dental fillings

Different types of fillings are made from different materials. They can be made from gold, dental amalgam, dental resin or porcelain. The type of filling used depends on the patient’s needs.

Gold fillings

Gold fillings are long lasting and rarely cause any allergies. They are fabricated in a dental lab and then placed inside the space created by the cavity after decayed tissue has been removed. Although gold fillings have their advantages, they are one of the pricier options. They can also be unsightly when used on the front teeth and like dental inlays, gold fillings may require multiple visits to the dentist.

Silver fillings

Silver fillings are putty-like and are applied directly to the hole left by decayed dental tissue. They are long-lasting, cheap and can be used to fill a tooth in a single visit to the dentist.

Tooth-colored fillings

Porcelain and dental resin are tooth-colored materials that are also used to fill cavities. Because they look just like teeth, dentists and patients prefer them for the restoration of front teeth. They are popular because of their aesthetics and because they are a good alternative for people who are allergic to metallic substances. However, they are not as durable as their metal equivalents.

How the dentist fills a tooth

The general dentist first confirms that there is tooth decay or a cavity, which they do by performing visual exams and taking X-rays. Once tooth decay is confirmed, the dentist numbs the patient's tooth and the surrounding tissue with a local anesthetic. The oral professional will then remove all the decayed tissue from the tooth using a drill. Silver amalgam, porcelain and composite fillings are putty-like, so dentists will apply them directly to the tooth. After filling a cavity, the dentist sculpts and smooths the filling material before curing it with ultraviolet light. Gold fillings are fabricated in a dental lab and placed in the cavity. They are bonded to the tooth with a dental adhesive.

Aftercare

To prevent future decay, the dentist will advise the patient on how to keep their teeth healthy. They may also suggest dental sealant for the molars. Here are some other ways a patient can take care of a dental filling:

• If dental amalgam has been used to fill the tooth, give the filling a chance to set properly. Do not chew with the tooth for the first 24 hours after the dental procedure.
• Because the gum and tooth may be sore, eat soft foods to give the mouth some time to heal. Depending on how sore the gum is, don't consume hard foods for a few days.
• If the filling feels uncomfortable or painful even after a few days, see the dentist to rule out an infection or allergic reaction.

Dental fillings are no big deal

Getting dental fillings is a straightforward process. It usually takes about an hour to complete. If you think you need your tooth filled, have a dentist look at it.

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