What Is a Dental Filling?
A dental filling is a restorative procedure designed to repair the damaged portion of a tooth. This damage can result from decay or a fracture, and when it does not exceed half of the tooth’s diameter, it can be restored with a white filling. During this procedure, the dentist removes the damaged part of the tooth and fills the cavity with a specialized material, restoring both its structure and function.
What Is Tooth Decay?
Tooth decay is one of the most common dental conditions, characterized by the erosion and destruction of the tooth’s structure due to bacterial activity. This condition occurs primarily due to acid production by bacteria in the mouth that feed on sugars and carbohydrates from our diet. These acids erode the enamel and create cavities.
Causes of Tooth Decay
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Inadequate dental care allows plaque buildup and bacterial growth.
- Sugar-Rich Diet: Frequent consumption of sugary foods and drinks promotes acid production by bacteria.
- Lack of Fluoride: Fluoride strengthens enamel and helps prevent cavities.
- Dry Mouth: Reduced saliva production, which protects teeth from acids, increases the risk of decay.
- Genetic or Anatomical Factors: Some individuals have natural enamel irregularities or structural tooth differences, making them more susceptible to cavities.
Filling Materials
Modern filling materials are typically composite resins, known for their:
- Aesthetic Appeal: They match the natural tooth color, making the filling nearly invisible.
- Durability: They provide strong resistance to chewing and wear.
- Bonding Strength: They adhere well to the tooth structure, enhancing its stability.
The Filling Procedure
The filling process includes the following steps:
- Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is administered to eliminate pain during the procedure. If decay removal is performed with a laser instead of a drill, the procedure may even be conducted without anesthesia.
- Isolation: Special tools, including a dental ring and a rubber dam, are used to keep saliva and moisture away from the treatment area, ensuring a dry and clean environment. These tools also protect the oral cavity from materials used during the procedure and prevent accidental injury in case of sudden patient movement.
- Removal of Decay: The dentist removes the damaged part of the tooth using a drill or laser.
- Cleaning and Preparation: The created cavity is cleaned and prepared for the application of the composite resin.
- Resin Application: The resin is applied in layers and hardened using a special light.
- Shaping and Polishing: The filling is shaped to match the natural contours of the tooth and polished for a smooth, natural appearance.
Lifespan of White Fillings
When properly placed and maintained, white fillings can last between 5 and 10 years. Their longevity depends on factors such as oral hygiene, the location and size of the filling, and chewing habits.
Advantages of Laser Use in the Filling Process
Using a laser for decay removal and tooth preparation offers several benefits:
- Reduced Pain and Discomfort: The procedure is more comfortable for the patient, requiring less or even no anesthesia. The use of a laser can minimize sensitivity during and after treatment.
- Precision: The laser accurately removes only the damaged tissue, preserving more healthy tooth structure. This is crucial for maintaining tooth strength and integrity.
- Disinfection: The laser has sterilizing properties, eliminating decay-causing bacteria. This reduces the risk of further decay or reinfection.
- Stronger Bonding & Longer-Lasting Results: Laser-treated surfaces improve the adhesion of the resin, leading to longer-lasting restorations.
- Less Noise and Vibration: Unlike traditional drills, the laser operates quietly and without the discomfort of vibrations, offering a more pleasant experience for the patient. The laser removes decayed tissue without any direct contact with the tooth.
- Psychological Comfort: For many patients, laser treatment is less stressful due to the absence of the drill’s noise and vibrations.
White fillings offer a durable and aesthetically pleasing solution for restoring decayed or fractured teeth, providing a natural-looking and long-lasting result, especially when enhanced with laser technology.