It is a fact that oral diseases impact billions of people in all parts of the world. When dental cavities are untreated, they can lead to tooth decay, which has become one of Australia’s most common health conditions. A dental filling is one of the most successful procedures for repairing decay or tiny fractures in teeth; therefore, it is a type of restorative dental treatment.
The dental filling procedure involves a few stages, and learning about it can help address your concerns. Below, we will describe how crucial dental filling is, its types, and the procedure for a dental filling.
The Importance of Dental Filling
Dental cavities are small holes in our teeth that form due to damage or decay. When we go for routine dental appointments, we may experience the discovery of pesky cavities. Therefore, it is crucial to get these cavities filled as quickly as possible to prevent further decay or damage to the teeth.
A dental filling is quite a painless and usually easy experience. The area surrounding the filling is numbed, so the entire process is comfortable for the patient. Next, an instrument is used to remove the tooth’s decayed portion. After that, it is cleaned, and the filling is placed on the tooth. Therefore, it helps alleviate toothaches and prevent further tooth decay.
Types of Dental Fillings
People receive several types of tooth fillings, and you must ask the dentist which one suits your unique requirements.
- Composite Fillings
These fillings are perfect for the cavities near the front of the mouth. The composite fillings naturally appear whereas the composite can mend small and mid-sized cavities.
- Ceramic Fillings
If you want great aesthetics and durability, then ceramic fillings are ideal. These are made of porcelain and can withstand abrasion and stains. Dentists use ceramic fillings for larger cavities.
- Amalgam Fillings
Dentists have been using amalgam to fill cavities for centuries; therefore, it is popular. It is highly durable and suitable for the cavities in the back of our mouths.
- Glass Ionomer Fillings
This type of filling is composed of glass and acrylic, and when placed in the tooth, it releases fluoride to prevent decay. Glass ionomer fillings are great for young patients whose teeth are developing.
Procedure for Dental Filling
- Anesthetic
The first step is numbing the tooth with a small injection. It is necessary most times but may not be required if there is no decay or the tooth is filled from the root.
- Removing Decay
Now the decay has to be removed from the tooth, which is done by combining two drills to remove the decay. If the decay exposes the nerve, then root canal treatment might be required.
- Tooth Filling
In this step, filling material is applied to fill the cavity. If the dentist has to place the composite filling, it requires the affected tooth’s isolation to prevent interference. The composite material is then hardened through a special bonding light.
- Adjusting the Bite and Polishing
When the filling is done, the last step is to shape the material to look like a regular tooth. The dentist also adjusts the bite with a range of burs or discs. The procedure is concluded by polishing the finished tooth.
Cavity Fillings in Endeavour Hills, VIC, Australia
The dental filling is ideal for treating tooth decay and preventing further damage. Endeavour Smiles Group has a team of expert dentists who are entirely familiar with the routine dental filling procedure, and therefore, they will make your experience as comfortable as possible. We will also give you guidelines and advise you to seek fillings for the cavities as soon as you detect them so that you can have a healthy smile.
If you are ready for a cavity filling, call us or schedule an appointment today!
