What is a Dental Filling?

Dental fillings are artificial substances used to fill cavities or holes in the enamel of decayed, broken or damaged teeth. A dental filling is used to treat a small hole or cavity in a tooth.

To repair a cavity, the dentist removes decayed dental tissue and then fills the cavity with a filling material.Fillings are also used to repair cracked or broken teeth and teeth that have been worn out from improper use (such as nail biting or teeth grinding).

In Which Cases Is Tooth Filling Performed?

Tooth decay is a type of tooth damage that can occur when harmful bacteria in your mouth produce acids that attack tooth enamel. This condition can lead to a small hole in the tooth called a cavity. More severe caries can lead to a large hole and even the destruction of the entire tooth.

If tooth decay is not treated, it can cause pain, infection, and even tooth loss. For this reason, the tooth filling should be filled while the problem can be fixed yet.

When a tooth is often exposed to acid, for example, if you often consume or drink foods or drinks that contain sugar and starch in particular, repeated acid attacks cause the tooth enamel to continue to lose minerals. A white spot may appear where minerals have disappeared. This is a sign of early decay.

Tooth decay can be stopped or reversed at this point. Enamel can self-repair using minerals from saliva and fluoride obtained from toothpaste or other sources.

But if the tooth decay process continues, more minerals are lost. Over time, the enamel weakens and is destroyed, forming a cavity.

What is the Tooth Filling Selection Based On?

There are many dental filling materials available today. Teeth can be filled with gold; porcelain, silver amalgam (consisting of mercury mixed with silver, tin, zinc and copper); or tooth-colored, plastic and composite substances called resin fillings.

There is also a material that contains glass particles and is known as a glass ionomer. This material is used in ways similar to the use of composite resin fillers.

The location and size of the caries, the cost of the filling material, your insurance coverage and the recommendation of your dentist will help to determine the most suitable type of filling for you.

To Whom is Dental Filling Applied?

Dental fillings are used to fill the cavity in the tooth after the decayed or damaged part has been removed. This treatment is most commonly used to treat caries, but it is also sometimes used to repair cracked and broken teeth. Generally, if children and adults over the age of 6 experience this type of dental problems, dental filling can be applied.

Why Are Fillings Done to the Teeth?

Filling a decayed portion of a tooth is removed and the damaged area of the tooth and prevent further damage to the appearance and function of the tooth is filled with a new material to the appearance and function of healthy and damaged to get back to is done.

This treatment is most commonly used to treat caries, but it is also sometimes used to repair cracked and broken teeth. When it comes to the materials to be used, patients have several options, including the following.

Which Tooth Filling Is the Healthiest?

Cast gold fillings are known for their durability and robustness. These can last up to 15 years or even longer due to their inherent resistance to corrosion. On the other hand, they are very expensive, require at least two dental visits to be fully inserted, and sometimes cause galvanic shock during the treatment procedure.

Although silver amalgams are preferred due to their durability and economic properties, they do not harmonize well with natural teeth due to their color.

Composites are better options for those who want more realistic-looking fillings. However, they last only up to 5 years, and it takes a long time.

Porcelain fillings are the preferred material for many patients. Although as expensive as gold fillings, combining the benefits of durability and aesthetics, these fillings offer patients very natural-looking fillings that can last for 15 years or more.

Glass ionomer fillings are made of acrylic, which is the most commonly used glass type material in pediatric patients and fillings that need to be placed below the gum line. These fillings are designed to release fluor Tue as a way to prevent the tooth from being damaged and decaying again.

However, it is not as durable as other materials used in fillings and is prone to wear and tear. In general, the life of glass ionomer fillers is only five years or less.

Amalgam (GRAY) Fillings:

Amalgam has been used for more than 150 years. It is a mixture of metals such as silver, copper, tin, mercury and zinc and is a very strong filling material.

Although exposure to mercury can be toxic, amalgam is safe and effective for most people. However, they recommend minimizing their use in pregnant or lactating women, children and people with kidney disease.

Silver fillings (amalgams) are one of the most widely used types of dental fillings. These fillers consist of a mixture of silver alloy and mercury and are more durable than other types of fillers. It lasts for at least 10 to 15 years, it is cheaper than composite fillings.

Disadvantages:

It may require the extraction of more teeth to create a large enough area to hold the filling, it creates a grayish color in the surrounding tooth structure. Depending on the wider degree of expansion and shrinkage, there may be a higher risk of tooth cracking and fracture, in some people it can lead to allergic consequences.

Amalgam fillings can create a grayish tint in the surrounding tooth structure. Although all teeth expand and contract in the presence of hot and cold liquids, this can also cause the tooth to crack or break.

amalgam material, compared with other filling materials, can have a greater degree of expansion, leading to shrinkage and a higher rate of cracks and fractures.

Composite (WHITE) Fillers:

These are a mixture of powdered glass and plastic resin and are also called white, plastic or tooth-colored fillings. Such fillings usually fill the top of the teeth and are very similar to the original dental material that they replace. They also release small amounts of fluoride, which can help reduce the Tue risk of further tooth decay.

Composite resin is a white or tooth-colored material. It can be harmonized with the color of other teeth and looks more natural than amalgam, but it is a little more expensive.

Some research has suggested that it may not last long when used to fill adult back teeth, where there is a lot of pressure.

Disadvantages of composites:

Lack of durability: wear sooner than amalgam fillings, composite fillings (amalgams is based on at least 10 to 15 years, while for at least five years); also under the pressure of chewing, especially when used in large cavity, they may not last as long as amalgam fillings.
Increased chair time: due to the process of applying the composite material, the placement of these fillings can take up to 20 minutes longer than amalgam fillings.
October visits: If composites are used for inlays or onlays, more than one office visit may be required.
Chipping: depending on the location, composite materials may crumble in the tooth.
Expense: composite fillings can cost up to twice the cost of amalgam fillings.
Cast Fillings:

Advantages of cast gold fillings:

Durability; lasts at least 10 to 15 years and usually longer; does not corrode
Strength; can withstand chewing forces
Aesthetics; some patients find gold more pleasant than silver amalgam fillings.

Disadvantages of cast gold fillings:

Expenses; gold cast fillings are more expensive than other materials; up to 10 times higher than the cost of silver amalgam fillings.
October office visits; at least two office visits are required for this to happen
Galvanic shock; the gold filling placed right next to the silver amalgam filling can cause a sharp pain (galvanic shock). The interaction between metals and saliva Decays, causing an electric current to be generated. But this is a rare case.
Aesthetics; most patients do not like metal “colored” fillings and prefer fillings that match the rest of the tooth.
Porcelain Fillings-partial Crowns:

These fillings are mostly made of porcelain and are more resistant to staining than composite resin material. This material usually lasts more than 15 years and can cost as much as gold.

Porcelain fillings are also called ”inlays“ or ”onlays”, they are the only dental material available that is mercury-free, metal-free and BPA-free. It is a much stronger and durable material that allows maximum aesthetic and functional results.

Advantages of Porcelain Fillings

It is much stronger and more durable than composite fillings.
The most aesthetically pleasing
Conservative dental preparation that allows preserving the natural tooth structure
Strong bonds to the natural tooth
Resistant to staining
It is resistant to chipping compared to composite fillings.
Beamed Filler:

Glass ionomer cement: This is a self-hardening mixture of glass and organic acid and is tooth-colored. This material is used for small rasping, cementation of porcelain or metal crowns and temporary restorations.

Resin ionomer cement: This is a mixture of glass and resin polymer and organic acid, which solidifies when exposed to blue light. This is also colored like a tooth.

How Long is the Life of a Dental Filling?

Typically, fillings last about 10 years. Many restorations (the clinical term for tooth filling) take much longer.In addition to the materials used, other factors that affect the service life of a filler are:

your eating habits
dental hygiene
trauma to your tooth
rotting around the embankment
grinding your teeth while sleeping

Although many factors affect the durability of fillings, the materials used can give you a good idea of how long a particular filling should last.

Filling is usually a simple, early treatment for tooth decay and can make the tooth sensitive for a short time. Over time, the fillings can break or crack, which can cause food to get stuck between the tooth and the filling. Decongestants can also cause tooth decay. However, a dentist will usually check your fillings during regular dental checkups.

How Long Does the Tooth Filling Take?

Depending on the caries in the tooth, the dental filling application is completed in an average of half an hour. First, the dentist will use local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth to be filled. Then, a drill, an air etching tool or a laser will be used to remove the rotten area.

The choice of tools depends on the comfort level of the individual dentist, his education and investment in a particular piece of equipment, as well as on the location and size of the caries.

Afterwards, your dentist will examine or test the area to determine if all the caries has been removed. After the caries has been removed, the dentist will clean the cavity from bacteria and debris, preparing the area for filling.

If the caries is close to the root, your dentist may first put a lining made of glass ionomer, composite resin, or other material to protect the nerve. Usually, after the filling is done, your dentist finishes the filling and polishes it.

What Should Be Considered After the Tooth Filling is Done?

To preserve the fillings, you must follow good oral hygiene. Visit your dentist regularly for cleaning, brush with fluoride toothpaste, floss, and use antibacterial mouthwash at least once a day.

If your dentist suspects that a filling may have cracked or that there is a “leak” (when the edges of the filling do not fit tightly to the tooth, this can cause debris and saliva to leak between the filling and the tooth, which leads to Decaying), they will do an x-ray to assess the situation.

If your tooth is extremely sensitive, if you feel a sharp edge, if you notice a crack in the filling, or if part of the filling is missing, call your dentist and make an appointment.

Dental Filling Prices 2023

Most dental insurance plans cover the cost of the composites up to the price of the silver filling, then you have to pay the difference Decently. If you have any questions or concerns about the cost, you can clarify this issue during a meeting with your dentist.

The most important factor in determining the prices of dental fillings that are outside the insurance coverage is the type of material used. Resin-based composite fillings are slightly more expensive than silver fillings. But they are still cheaper than gold or porcelain fillings.

Silver amalgams, also known as metal fillers, are the cheapest type of filler. Other factors that affect the costs of dental filling are:

How many teeth need filling; the more teeth that require filling, the higher your total dental bill will be.
Which teeth need filling; The repair of cavities in the back molars is much more costly than those in the front teeth.
Cavity size; The larger the cavity, the more expensive it is to repair.
The current state of your oral health; If the teeth or gums are infected, multiple dentist visits and treatments may be required, which causes October additional costs.
Clinic location and dentist’s pricing; dentists in smaller practices often have lower overheads, which can translate into lower prices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tooth Sensitivity Normal After Tooth Filling?

Tooth sensitivity is quite common after the filling is placed. A tooth may be sensitive to pressure, weather, sweet foods, or temperature. Sensitivity usually in a few weeks will take care of itself. During this time, avoid things that cause sensitivity. Painkillers are usually not necessary.

If the sensitivity does not decrease within two to four weeks, or if your tooth is extremely sensitive, contact your dentist. They may recommend a desensitizing toothpaste, apply a desensitizing agent to the tooth, or possibly recommend a root canal treatment.

Pain may also occur around the fillings. If you feel pain when you bite, the filler may be preventing you from biting. You will need to go back to your dentist and have the filling reshaped.

If you feel pain when your teeth touch each other, the pain is probably caused by the touch of two different metal surfaces (for example, silver amalgam on a newly filled tooth and gold plating on another tooth that it touches). This pain should go away on its own in a short time.

If the caries is very deep or close to the core of the tooth, you may experience a ” toothache-type” pain. This “toothache” response may indicate that this tissue is no longer healthy. In this case, root canal treatment may be required.

Is Tooth Decay Contagious?

If the seal between the tooth filling and its enamel is broken, food particles and Decaying bacteria can get under the filling. You then face the risk of October developing additional decay in that tooth. Untreated caries can progress and infect the tooth pulp and cause a tooth abscess.

If the filling is large or recurrent caries is common, there may not be enough tooth structure left to support the replacement filling. In these cases, your dentist may need to replace the filling with a crown.

Do Teeth Hurt After Filling the Tooth?

Sometimes people experience pain, known as pain or tenderness, in the tooth that has been filled, as well as in other teeth. With this particular pain, there is probably nothing wrong with your teeth. The filled tooth simply transmits the “pain signals” it receives to other teeth. This pain should subside on its own within 1 to 2 weeks.

Why Do Dental Fillings Fall Out?

New fillings that fall out may be the result of improper cavity preparation, contamination before the filling is inserted, or a fracture of the filling due to biting or chewing trauma. Older restorations will usually be lost due to decay or fracture of the remaining tooth.

When Is the Tooth Filling Replaced?

There are three main reasons that will require replacement of dental fillings.

Normal wear and tear: The constant pressure caused by chewing, grinding or clamping can cause the tooth filling to wear, break or crack. Although you can’t tell that your filling is wearing out, your dentist can detect weaknesses in your restorations during regular checkups.
The filling fails and caries occurs: If the seal between the tooth enamel and the filling breaks down, food particles and Decaying bacteria can get under the filling. You then face the risk of October developing additional decay in that tooth. Untreated caries can progress and infect the tooth pulp and cause a tooth abscess.
Filling and/or caries is large: If the filling is large or recurrent caries is widespread, there may not be enough tooth structure left to support the replacement filling. In these cases, your dentist may need to replace the filling with a crown.
Does the Tooth Filling Fall Out?

New fillings that fall out are probably the result of improper cavity preparation, contamination of the preparation before the installation of the restoration, or breakage of the restoration due to bite or chewing trauma. Older restorations will usually be lost due to decay or fracture of the remaining tooth.

What Should Be Done If the Tooth Filling Falls Out?

As soon as your tooth filling comes out, you need to visit your dentist.

Which Bruises Are Not Filled In?

Dental caries is an important health problem due to the fact that it is the most common disease worldwide. Almost 100% of adults are affected by tooth decay.

Regular dental check-ups can help ensure that any problems are found and treated early. Finding caries in the early stages means that fewer teeth are destroyed during the filling process. Ask your oral health professional how often you should have dental checkups.

If you have a very small caries that is limited to the enamel (or outer layer) of your tooth, you may not need to have a filling. This is especially true if you have had very few cavities in the past and practice good oral hygiene. Your dentist will decide whether your cavity meets this definition.

How Does Tooth Filling Pain Go Away? How Does the Sensitivity Pass After Tooth Filling?

After having a dental filling, you may feel some tenderness and pain, but this discomfort should pass. Don’t neglect your oral care routine. Instead, try products specifically designed to protect sensitive teeth.

Does Tooth Filling Make You Nauseous?

The most common side effects are numbness, tingling, and some minor pain around the injection site. Other rare side effects include chest pain or irregular heartbeats, dizziness, or drowsiness, anxiety, restlessness, nausea, vomiting, tremors, or seizures facility. These are much less common, but because they can be very dangerous, it is important that you notify your dentist immediately if you experience any of them.

Does Tooth Filling Make the Mouth Smell?

If the tooth filling cracks, it can collect food particles that are difficult to reach with a toothbrush. These food particles can produce bacteria and cause infection and, as a result, bad breath. After your dentist has replaced the cracked filling and cleaned your teeth, the problem of chronic bad breath will usually be solved.

Can I Eat After My Filling Is Done?

If you have a composite filling, you are lucky! You can eat or drink immediately after the procedure. The composite filler hardens immediately under UV light. However, your dentist may recommend that you wait at least two hours before eating because your cheeks and gums may be slightly numb from the anesthesia.

If you have a metal amalgam filling, you need to wait a little longer before eating. Typically, a full 24 hours is recommended. After that, your metal filler will completely harden and reach maximum strength. Your dentist will probably recommend that you don’t chew on the side of your mouth where the filling is located for 24 hours.

Can Tooth Filling Be Done During the Menstrual Period?

Due to the increase in the hormones estrogen and progestin during menstruation, it is common for the swollen, red and bleeding symptoms of gingivitis to worsen during menstruation. While professional cleaning of your teeth is better one week after the end of your period, tooth extraction or filling is best done on the days immediately after the end of your period.

Can Nursing Mothers Have Dental Fillings?

Although there are certain classes of drugs and anesthetics that are unsafe for nursing mothers, the materials used in dental procedures, sedation methods and numbing agents are almost never prohibited for an already healthy baby or people who are breastfeeding a baby.