Understanding Cavity dental Fillings: Classification of operations, Steps, Operation aftercare
Composites are one of the most frequently performed dental restorative procedures whose aim is to regain functionality and esthetic of the non-vital dental hard tissues. No matter if you have cavities, cracks, or your tooth has worn out, a filling can restore your tooth’s structure and avoid further decay. To begin with, this blog is going to identify what Cavity Dental Filling are, the kinds, how the process of filling is done and how one should proceed in taking care of their teeth afterwards.
What Are Cavity Dental Fillings?
Tooth Cavity Dental filling is a dental material applied in the filling of a cavity or indeed repairing a damaged tooth. Most of them are attributed to theed process of tooth decay whereby plaque in your mouth attacks the enamel of your teeth. If the decay remains untreated, it spreads to other parts of the tooth until it reaches the pulp and can cause pain, infection or in the worst-case scenario, the tooth has to be extracted. Fillings prevent this progression by closing the cavity off and minimizing the further abuse of the tooth.
Different Kinds of Tooth Fillings
Dentinists use different materials in doing Cavity Dental filling and the choice depends on the area of the tooth, the severity of the damage or the preference of the patient. Here are the most common types:Here are the most common types:
1. Amalgam Fillings
These are restorations that are created using various metals such as silver, mercury and other amalgam metals. They are very long-lasting, and are typically utilized for molars at at the posterior region of the mouth where the pressure is most unforgiving. While they are cheaper and long lasting, amalgam fillings are silver in colour and more visible than other forms of Cavity Dental filling.
2. Composite Fillings
There are what are called composite fillings that are also referred to as white Cavity Dental filling since they are made of a resin material that closely resembles the tooth color. It is a more cosmetic type of filling and the ones most preferred for anterior teeth due to the noticeable area. Nevertheless, the new generation of composites is quite long-lasting, considerably longer than amalgam,modern composites can last many years with proper care.
3. Ceramic Fillings
Ceramic or porcelain fillings are resistant to wear and stains, they are also also one of the longest-lasting types of dental filling. They are made in the laboratory and they can be matched with the color of your teeth. Some of the Cavity Dental filling used in dentistry are ceramic fillings, which are chosen for their natural look and high strength but costs more.
4. Gold Fillings
Of the types of Cavity dental filling, gold fillings are the most durable and can last for more than twenty years if well maintained. But they offer very limited lighting because their bulbs are expensive and their colour is conspicuous unlike eco-friendly bulbs.
Fillings are very simple procedures and most of the time the process is done within a single dental appointment. Here’s what to expect:
1. Examination and Preparation
Your dentist will first look at the tooth, and may use an X-ray to see how far decay has progressed. After they have done this, your tooth and the adjacent gum will be anesthetized so you won’t feel any pain during the extraction.
2. Removing the Decay
The dentist uses a number of small tools that he or she employs to scrape out the infected part of the tooth. After that, depthalized and all caries are rail away and the surgery site is scoured with water and vigorous movements to remove bacteria and debris.
3. Placing the Filling
Finally, after the process of cleaning, the dentist will then apply the type of filling material, which was agreed on earlier, into the created cavity. The filling creates an impression of your tooth’s geometry, and therefore is formed to fit into your tooth. Amalgam fillings harden by chemical action and do not need a light to set the material as in the case of composite fillings.
4. Finishing Touches
After the filling has been put in place, your dentist will smooth it out so that it will resemble your other teeth and have a correct biting relationship. Sometimes you may be required to bite on some paper as your dentist checks for areas that needs to be corrected.
Aftercare for Tooth Fillings
Taking good care of your filling also means seeing that it lasts long without having to be replaced and that you do not end up developing other dental problems. Here are some tips:
1. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Go on brushing your teeth twice per day and rinsing the mouth every day to maintain dental health of the teeth and gums. however, at the side of filled tooth special attention should be paid because plaque will still form and lead to new cavities .
2. High fiber foods such as hard or sticky foods should be kept off to help in easy passage of stools.
In spite of the hardness of the substance used for tooth fillings, one can damage them with hard or sticky foods. Hard candy, ice or nuts if chewed will can weaken your filling or even pop it right out of your tooth, sticky substances like caramel are also dangerous.
3. Regular Dental Checkups
Regular dental examination and cleaning especially with your dentist. It is important, however, to see your dentist who may check on the status of the fillings and advise you to get a new one when necessary. It may cause other complications like infections of the teeth or even loss of the teeth if faced early it will be easily tackled.
4. Watch for Sensitivity
There are usually some mild feelings of hot or cold and this is not strange after a filling but it should not last for more than 72 hours. If you have a persistent or increasing chest pain, you should consult your dentist to have a check on the filling.
The following list contains 9 signs that show that you should make an appointment with the dentist and get a filling.
Cavities and other ailments to the teeth are not always apparent, and it may take a long while before one realizes that he or she has a problem. Here are some common signs that indicate you might need a filling:Below are some symptoms that should make you visit the dentist for a check up and possibility of having a filling:
Ability to tolerate food and beverages which are hot or cold.
Chipped or cracked surface of your teeth, cavities or black patches.
Sensitivity of the teeth particularly while chewing or biting food
Specific chewed up textured or partially bitten food getting lodged in a specific section of your mouth.
Injured; abraded, chipped, or cracked tooth surfaces
If you experience any of these signs, you should pay your dentist a visit so that he may check on your mouth.
Final Thoughts
People undergoing Cavity Dental filling is a very important aspect in a dental health since they serve as shield in your natural teeth against other destructive operations. It is thus necessary to be conversant with the types of fillings that are available and how one can take care of the fillings. In case you are in doubt of whether you need a filling or if you have any other concerns in relation to the above process feel free to talk to your dentist.