Tooth Fillings

Most people in Dubai have at least one tooth filling during their lifetime.

You can have a tooth cavity for different reasons. Bacteria that live in your mouth can cause tooth decay which creates a cavity in your tooth. You can crack your tooth when chewing a hard food or during an accident. Tooth grinding can wear off your teeth, and your dentist will treat it with fillings.

At Dentist Ahmed, we treat your damaged teeth with fillings to restore their original shape and normal function.

Earlier, people believed that a tooth with a cavity should be extracted because it may cause unbearable pain in the future.

Now, tooth fillings are here to save your teeth. Your dentist will first remove the bacteria which is damaging your teeth. After that he will clean the cavity and fill it with filling material to restore its function and appearance.

Tooth Filling

It is procedure to say your decaying tooth from further damage.

What is a Tooth Filling?

Tooth decay damages the shape and function of your tooth. Tooth filling is a procedure that your dentist performs to restore the normal shape and function of your tooth.

Your dentist first removes the decayed material of your tooth. Then he thoroughly cleans the affected area which is the cavity of your tooth. Next, he fills your cavity with the filling material.

Your dentist may also use filling to close off spaces from where bacteria can enter in your tooth. It will prevent further decay of your tooth.

There are many materials that your dentist can use for filling your cavity. The most popular options for filling materials are tooth colored fillings (composite resin), porcelain, and gold.

Sometimes a decay or a fracture can damage a large portion of your tooth. In that case, your dentist may recommend you a crown.

Your dentist has two options to treat a tooth decay that has reached your nerve.

The first option is root canal therapy in which your dentist will remove the damaged nerve.

The second option is pulp capping in which he tries to keep your nerve alive.

When Do You Need a Tooth Filling?

Your dentist can tell you after examining your tooth cavity that you need a filling. He will use a small mirror to examine the surfaces of each tooth.

Your dentist will notice if anything looks abnormal on tooth. He will then use special instruments to closely check it.

It is also possible that your dentist may take X-ray of your tooth or your entire mouth. He will choose the treatment for your tooth after he diagnoses the extent of damage the decay has caused to your tooth.

Procedure of Tooth Filling

At Dentist Ahmed, your dentist will physically examine your tooth. He may also take X-ray of your tooth or your entire mouth. It will help him to determine the extent of the damage of your tooth.

Your dentist will then use anesthetic to numb your effected tooth. He will remove the decayed tooth structure and clean the cavity. Depending on the location of your cavity, your dentist will use either a drill or air abrasion or laser instrument.

Once your dentist thoroughly cleans your tooth, he will now prepare it for filling. He will choose the best type of filling for your tooth. Then he will carefully place the filling into your tooth in layers.

Sometimes, your filling may require curing. Your dentist will use a special light for this purpose. He will apply the light after placing each layer into your tooth.

Your dentist may trim off excessive filling material after he has placed all the filling into your tooth. The purpose of trimming is to restore the original shape of your tooth.

Finally, your dentist will polish the filling to make it smooth and feel like a normal tooth.

Tooth fillings are a common dental procedure at Dentist Ahmed. Our dentists are high skilled, and they use state-of-the-art dental equipment to make tooth filling procedure painless, efficient, and quick.

Time for Tooth Filling

Your dentist will examine your tooth and tell you that you need a filling.

Importance of Tooth Filling Procedure

Tooth filling is very important because it can save your tooth from extraction in the future.

Your decayed tooth cannot repair itself. There is no repair mechanism in your body that can repair your decayed tooth. Eventually, a decayed tooth will cause extreme pain. Untreated decayed tooth leads to further complications such as formation of abscess in mouth.

Timely tooth filling can retain your tooth’s function to bite and chew. Your dentist can do the right type of filling on time which will enable you to use your tooth for a long time.

Your dentist will need to do more expensive and complicated procedures if you do not get tooth fillings on time. Ultimately, you will lose your tooth.

Tooth filling is an easy and fast treatment. Your dentist will require you to visit him two to three times to complete the procedure.

What is Tooth Filling Made of?

Tooth fillings at Dentist Ahmed are made of different materials. Your dentist will choose the one that is best for you. It mainly depends on the requirements of your tooth.

The material of tooth fillings must have certain qualities. It should be strong enough to restore the full integrity of your tooth. It should also maintain the original function and shape of your tooth.

Your dentist may also need to perform tooth filling after the root canal treatment. He will first remove the infected, inflamed, and dead pulp tissues in your tooth.

Next, he will clean the inside of your tooth to ensure all bacteria is removed. After that, your dentist will fill up the hollow root canals of your tooth.

Your dentist will place a permanent white filling into your tooth after filling your root canals. The final step is to place a crown on your tooth which will restore its shape and strength.

So, you can see how important it is that your tooth filling material is strong and able to keep its shape.

Types of Tooth Fillings

There are different types of materials that are used for tooth filling. The most common types of tooth filling materials are:

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Composite Fillings

Composite fillings are white fillings. They are a combination of silica and resin. Composite fillings are very durable, and they are the most widely used fillings. They give a natural appearance because they have the same color as your tooth.

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Amalgam Fillings

Amalgam fillings are a combination of different metals like copper, tin, mercury, and silver. The combination of different metals makes it strong and hard-wearing. It is also inexpensive as compared to other types of fillings. Amalgam fillings are dark in color. They were often used for tooth filling in the back of mouth. It is because more strength is required for tooth in the backside of mouth, and the dark color is not visible. Many dentists do not use amalgam fillings anymore because it contains mercury which is hazardous to human health.

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Ceramic Filling

Ceramic fillings are an upgrade of traditional gold fillings. They are custom made, and the dentist fits it into your tooth on the second appointment. However, ceramic fillings are cheaper than gold fillings. Ceramic fillings have very good appearance, and no one will be able to guess that it is a filling. They are made of porcelain, and they do not lose their color with time.

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Gold Fillings

Gold fillings are the most expensive type of tooth fillings. They are also considered as the most durable type of tooth fillings because gold does not corrode with time. Your dentist will need you to visit him twice if you want a gold filling in your tooth. The only downside of gold fillings is that they are expensive, and they are not very aesthetic in nature.

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Ionomer Fillings

Your dentist will use ionomer fillings where it is not suitable to use other types of fillings. Ionomer fillings have the same color as your tooth, and they are rich in fluoride. They gradually release fluoride into your mouth over time which protects your tooth from further decay. Ionomer fillings are best for temporary fillings or for milk teeth.

FAQ's

Do dental fillings hurt?

Dental fillings should never hurt if they are done properly. You could experience some minor sensitivity immediately after the procedure, but it will go away with time.

How long dental fillings last?

It depends on the material of dental fillings. Some are more durable than others. Amalgam fillings can last up to fifteen years. However, tooth-colored fillings last up to seven years.

What is the best material for tooth fillings?

There are many materials that are used for tooth fillings. Your dentist will choose amalgam, porcelain, composite resin, or gold filling.

How long after having a filling can you brush your teeth?

You can start with your oral hygiene routine immediately after a filling. However, it is better that you wait until your local anesthetic wears of. You may feel sensitivity in the beginning, but it may go away after a few hours.

How long after a filling can I eat?

You will be able to eat normally after a few hours. The anesthetic will subdue after a few hours; however, your dentist will advise you to take some precautions.

Do fillings last forever?

It depends on the material used for filling. Inlays or porcelain fillings are the most durable ones. Both last up to 20 years. Composite filling last up to seven years.

Do fillings need to be replaced?

Composite fillings are replaced more often than inlays or porcelain fillings. No matter how robust and durable a filling is, it will wear down and will require replacement.

Do cavities hurt when you eat?

In the beginning, cavities do not hurt or cause sensitivity. However, if you leave them untreated for a longer time, then they will get larger and closer to the nerve of your tooth. When that happens, it causes sensitivity, discomfort, and ultimately unbearable pain.