Dental Filling
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Dental filling is usually done to restore the function of the tooth in cases such as decay, fracture or cracking. Tooth loss can be prevented with fillings made by dentists.
Dental filling is a procedure performed in order not to lose the tooth and to prevent the problem from progressing too much, especially in cases such as tooth decay. Different types of fillings such as aesthetic fillings can be used for tooth filling. In this way, after the surgical intervention, an aesthetic tooth appearance can be provided instead of a decayed tooth appearance. In addition, thanks to long-lasting fillings, the person’s caries problem can be corrected in a way that will last for years. Dental filling should be performed by an experienced dentist.
What are the Types of Dental Fillings?
Composite Filling
Composite filling is a type of filling that is generally used for aesthetic purposes. Composite filling material and color are very suitable for tooth structure. Therefore, composite filling application is used in cases such as tooth tip fractures or tooth cracks. In some cases, composite filling can also be used for color mismatches that occur in teeth. These color mismatches can be eliminated by bringing the composite filling to its natural white color or a color suitable for the tooth. Since composite filling is made of resin material, it can be applied especially to teeth that need to look aesthetic.
Amalgam Filling
Amalgam filling has been a frequently used filling type since the invention of filling application. Amalgam filling, also known as silver filling due to its silver appearance, is prepared with a mixture of mercury and metal materials.
This has enabled the amalgam filling to have a different appearance and to be very strong. However, the use of mercury in amalgam filling has been a factor that leaves a question mark in mind. Therefore, amalgam filling is a type of filling that is not preferred today. However, since the mercury substance in amalgam fillings prepared in the right ways will not be toxic, you can also prefer amalgam filling while having a filling application by a dentist who is an expert in the field.
Ceramic Filling
Ceramic filling has become a frequently preferred filling after amalgam fillings have become less preferred due to their mercury content. Unlike an amalgam filling, a ceramic filling looks just like a natural tooth. Ceramic fillings are produced using porcelain material and are therefore very strong.
The strength of the ceramic filling has made it one of the most preferred filling types. In addition, ceramic fillings can also be used to protect tooth tissue . If a tooth has become very small due to various damages and it is desired to use this tooth in an aesthetic and functional way without extracting it, ceramic filling can be applied. Ceramic filling is applied on the tooth that has become very small after being cleaned from decays and allows that tooth to become normal in terms of appearance and function.
Gold Filling
Gold, one of the most valuable elements, can also be used to fill teeth. Gold filling can be used to fill the decayed and broken parts of the teeth. Gold filling, which is a very expensive and laborious filling type, provides durability for many years. The fact that the gold filling is so durable has made it an ideal filling for people who allocate a large budget for dental filling and are looking for durability. In addition, gold filling can also give a pleasant appearance. Many individuals who like the appearance of gold in the teeth have gold filling application to their teeth, including their front teeth.
How is a Dental Filling Performed?
The procedure of dental filling varies according to the reason for its application. For the dental filling procedure performed for decayed teeth, it is first necessary to numb the area where the tooth is located with an anesthetic needle. When the person does not feel anything in the area where the procedure will be performed, the decay cleaning process, which is within the scope of tooth structure repair, is performed. Caries removal is performed with special techniques and dental materials depending on the size of the decay. After the decay cleaning process, the area cleared of decay is covered with the selected filling type. During the coating process, it is aimed to restore the tooth to its undamaged state. In this way, the individual can use the tooth without losing it due to decay and as if no decay has occurred. In cases where there is no decay, the filling can be placed without any numbing procedure.
Why is a Dental Filling Important?
Prevention of Tooth Loss
Tooth filling is a procedure usually performed as a result of tooth decay. Therefore, having a dental filling means getting rid of tooth decay. Getting rid of tooth decay is also very important in preventing tooth loss.
Preventing Loss of Function in the Tooth
Dental filling is a procedure performed as a result of tooth decay, fractures or cracks. All three of these conditions can cause the tooth to lose its function. In particular, no food can be chewed on a tooth that has broken or decayed, especially if a very large part of it is broken or decayed. In addition, tooth decay and fractures can cause sensitivity, causing discomfort even while breathing. At this point, if the tooth filling process comes into play, desensitization is provided and the function of the tooth is restored.
Providing an Aesthetic Appearance
Tooth decays, fractures or cracks in the teeth can lead to an unaesthetic appearance while laughing. At this point, if dental filling comes into play, a dental filling suitable for the person’s request and tooth structure is selected and applied and an aesthetic appearance can be gained. In addition, in some cases, dental filling can also eliminate discoloration of the teeth. This situation also helps the teeth to look aesthetic.
Dental Filling Why Is It Done?
Dental filling is usually done to compensate for the loss of part of the tooth that occurs after the decay removal process. Partial tooth loss as a result of decay can cause intense sensitivity, even affecting the nerves of the teeth. In the long term, such sensitivity can lead to a loss of function and the complete loss of the tooth.
In addition, dental filling can be used to compensate for partial tooth loss in cases such as cracks and tooth fractures. A final reason for dental filling is discoloration of the teeth. For example, if all of an individual’s teeth are white, but only one tooth is yellow and no results can be obtained from treatments such as teeth whitening treatments, filling coating can be performed.
What is the Lifespan of a Filling Tooth?
The life of the filling tooth may vary depending on various factors. The most effective factor in the lifespan of the filling tooth is the filling material. Gold fillings and ceramic fillings may last longer than amalgam and composite fillings. In addition, the conditions under which the filling application is performed are also very important. A filling placed in the tooth under the right conditions will last much longer than a filling placed in the tooth under the wrong conditions. Another factor that affects the life of the filling is how much the individual complies with dental health recommendations. If the individual follows these recommendations and behaves in a way that does not jeopardize dental health and therefore the dental filling, he/she can use the filled tooth for years.
How Long Does the Tooth Filling Procedure Take?
The duration of the tooth filling procedure may vary depending on various factors. The most important factor affecting the duration of the dental filling procedure is the filling material. For example, filling with composite filling material may take much longer than filling with amalgam filling material. In addition, if the tooth filling is performed due to decay, the decay cleaning process may extend the total procedure time since it is performed together with the filling process.
What Should Be Considered After Dental Filling?
The things to be considered after tooth filling can be listed as follows:
- You should not eat or drink anything for the first few hours after the application.
- It is necessary to consume liquid and semi-solid foods for the first few days.
- Dental cleaning products recommended by the dentist should be used regularly.
- Do not smoke and avoid acidic drinks for the first few days after the application.
Who Cannot Have Tooth Filling?
Dental filling is not performed for people who have health problems where partial tooth loss cannot be solved with tooth filling. For example, if the individual needs root canal treatment, tooth filling cannot be performed.
In such a case, tooth filling should be done after completing priority treatments such as root canal treatment. In addition, tooth filling cannot be applied to pregnant individuals, especially in the first 3 months of pregnancy. In some cases, dental filling is considered an unnecessary application and may not be performed because it cannot prevent tooth loss in any way.
Frequently asked questions
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How Much Does a Tooth Filling Cost?
The price of a dental filling may vary depending on multiple factors. The most important factor in the price of dental filling is the filling material. In particular, filling procedures made with gold filling material can be more costly than filling procedures made with other materials. In addition, factors such as the size of the area to be filled, the experience of the dentist who will perform the filling application and the facilities of the clinic can also lead to a decrease or increase in the price.
Is There Pain After Dental Filling?
Pain may be felt after tooth filling. Especially individuals with a low pain threshold may feel this pain intensely. In addition, if the tooth filling is applied to a very large area, this may also cause pain after the procedure. The pain felt after tooth filling is usually controlled by painkillers and completely disappears in a short time. However, if the pain after tooth filling is very intense and cannot be controlled with painkillers and continues for a long time, it is necessary to consult a dentist.
Why Does a Tooth Filling Fall Out?
A tooth filling can fall out for many reasons. The most important and natural factor that causes the dental filling to fall out is reaching the end of the usage period of the filling. Dental fillings, of course, have a certain period of use because they are not natural teeth. Coming to the end of this period can cause the filling to fall out. In addition, chewing very hard foods or subjecting the dental filling to pressure as a result of teeth grinding can also cause the dental filling to fall out. If your tooth filling falls out, you should remember that you should consult your dentist immediately.
Is Swallowing a Dental Filling Harmful?
Whether swallowing a dental filling is harmful or not may vary depending on the situation. It can be very dangerous to swallow fillings that are large in size and made of materials that can cause reactions when in contact with stomach acid. However, swallowing fillings that are small in size and made of materials such as gold may not cause any problems. In addition, it may be beneficial to try not to swallow dental fillings just in case and to consult a dentist if there is any loosening of the dental filling and to ensure that the situation is taken under control.
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