Restoring Damaged Teeth
Dental fillings are a commonly practiced dental procedure where dentists restore teeth that suffered damage due to decay, fractures, or cracks. Fillings restore the damaged tooth to get back to its original shape and appearance. They also help restore general functions, all while preventing further damage and reducing pain.
What Are Dental Fillings?
A dental filling refers to a material that dentists use to fill the space created by decaying of a tooth or a damaged one. This is a process through which dentists remove the damaged portion of the tooth and replace it with a material which is used to fill in the gap caused by the removal.
There are different kinds of filling materials. However, they all come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages.
How Does the Filling Process Work?
Let us go through the filling process step by step.
- Numbing the Area: Your dentist will administer local anesthesia to numb the tooth and the tissues around it to make it comfortable for the patient
- Removing the Decay: Specialized instruments are used to remove the damaged or decayed portion of the tooth.
- Preparing the Tooth: The tooth is then prepared before applying the filling. Sometimes dentists need to shape the cavity to help the material sit properly.
- Placing the Filling: The chosen filling material is carefully placed into the pre-shaped cavity. In the case of composite fillings, the material is applied in layers and hardened with a special light.
- Shaping and Polishing: The dentist shapes the filling and polishes it to match the natural contours of the tooth and provide a smooth surface.
- Bite Check: The final step is where the dentist will check how you can bite and ensure that the filling is done properly and will not interfere with your chewing abilities
Benefits
- Stops tooth decay and damage
- Restores general tooth function
- Reduces pain
- Improves aesthetics and overall appearance
- Relatively Affordable
