Teeth filling is a common dental procedure used to repair cavities, restore damaged teeth, and prevent further decay. It involves removing decayed or damaged tooth material and filling the space with a dental material to rebuild the tooth’s structure and function.
Why Teeth Fillings Are Needed
- Cavities (dental caries)
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Worn-down teeth (due to grinding or acid erosion)
- To restore function and appearance after decay is removed
🔹 Types of Filling Materials
- Composite Resin (Tooth-Colored)
- Matches natural tooth color.
- Used for front or visible teeth.
- Bonds well to tooth structure.
- May stain over time.
- Amalgam (Silver)
- Made of mercury mixed with other metals.
- Durable and long-lasting.
- More noticeable and less aesthetic.
- Typically used for back teeth.
- Ceramic (Porcelain)
- Tooth-colored and stain-resistant.
- More expensive, usually for larger fillings or inlays.
- Gold
- Extremely durable and long-lasting.
- Not commonly used due to cost and visibility.
- Glass Ionomer
- Releases fluoride, which helps protect the tooth.
- Weaker than composite—used for baby teeth or non-biting surfaces.
🔹 The Filling Procedure
- Numbing: Local anesthesia is applied.
- Decay Removal: Dentist removes the decayed or damaged portion.
- Cleaning: The area is cleaned and shaped.
- Filling Placement: Material is placed, shaped, and hardened (often with a curing light).
- Polishing: The filling is smoothed to match the bite.
🔹 Aftercare and Sensitivity
- Mild sensitivity to hot/cold is normal and temporary.
- Avoid chewing hard or sticky foods on the filled tooth for a day.
- Maintain good oral hygiene and visit your dentist regularly.
🔹 How Long Do Fillings Last?
- Composite: 5–7 years
- Amalgam: 10–15 years
- Gold/Ceramic: 15+ years
- Longevity depends on oral habits, size, and location of the filling.