If you have never had a cavity, congratulations! If you have had one, you are not alone.
According to a 2000 report by the U.S. Surgeon General, about 78% of us have had at least one cavity by the time we reach age 17. Fortunately, there’s a time-tested treatment for cavities: permanent dental fillings.
Fillings do just what the name implies—seal a small hole in your tooth, i.e., a cavity caused by decay.
This prevents the decay (a bacteria-induced infection) from spreading further into your tooth and, if untreated, continuing on to the sensitive inner pulp (nerve) tissue located in the root canal. Should that happen, you would need root canal treatment.
Various materials are used to fill teeth these days, but the process of filling a tooth is similar regardless.
The first step is a clinical exam of the tooth with X-rays to determine the extent of the decay. Then, the decayed area of the tooth is removed, usually with a handheld instrument such as a dental drill.
Of course, your tooth will be anesthetized first so that you won’t feel any discomfort. If you usually feel nervous about receiving numbing injections, it’s possible that taking an anti-anxiety medication or using nitrous oxide can help you feel more relaxed.
After the decay is removed, the remaining tooth structure is roughened or “etched” with a mildly acidic solution; translucent cement is then applied to bond the tooth to the filling material.
Types of Permanent Dental Fillings
There are two broad categories of Permanent dental fillings: metal and tooth-colored. Each may offer particular advantages and disadvantages in certain situations.
Metal Fillings
Amalgam—The classic “silver” filling, dental amalgam, has been in use for more than a century. It is actually an alloy made up of mercury, silver, tin, and copper. The mercury combines with the other metals in the amalgam to make it stable and safe. These fillings are strong and inexpensive but also quite noticeable. They also require relatively more tooth preparation (drilling) than other types.
Cast Gold — Among the most expensive restorative dental materials, cast gold combines gold with other metals for a solid, long-lasting filling. It is also highly noticeable, which can be considered a plus or minus.
Tooth-Colored Fillings
Composite—A popular choice for those who don’t want their fillings to show, composite is a mixture of plastic and glass that bonds to the rest of the tooth. Composites are more expensive than amalgam fillings, but the newer materials can hold up almost as long. Less drilling of the tooth is necessary when placing composite compared to amalgam.
Porcelain—These high-tech dental ceramics are strong, lifelike, and don’t stain like composites. They are sometimes more expensive than composites because they may require a dental laboratory or specialized computer-generated technology. While considered the most aesthetic filling, porcelain can also be brittle because of its relatively high glass content.
Glass Ionomer — Made of acrylic and glass powders, these inexpensive, translucent fillings have the advantages of blending in pretty well with natural tooth color and releasing small amounts of fluoride to help prevent decay. They generally don’t last as long as other restorative materials.
What to Expect After Getting a Filling
The numbness caused by your local anesthesia should wear off within a couple of hours. Until then, it is best to avoid drinking hot or cold liquids and eating on the side of your mouth with the new filling. Some sensitivity to hot and cold is expected in the first couple of weeks after getting a tooth filled.
If it persists beyond that, or you have any pain when biting, it could signal that your filling needs to be adjusted. Continue to brush and floss as typical daily and visit the dental office at least twice yearly for regular checkups and cleanings. And remember, tooth decay is preventable; with good oral hygiene and professional care, you can make your most recent cavity your last!
What is a temporary dental filling, and how is it used in dental care?
A temporary dental filling is a provisional filling used to protect a tooth until a permanent solution, like a dental crown or a more durable filling, can be applied.
It’s typically made from a material like zinc oxide-eugenol or a composite resin. Dentists use temporary fillings in cases where a tooth is compromised due to decay, fracture, or other damage.
These fillings temporarily relieve pain and sensitivity, prevent further decay or infection, and maintain the tooth’s structure until a more permanent restoration can be completed, ensuring the tooth’s health and function.
