FILLING
WHY THE NAME FILLING?
It comes from the word “plomb,” which means seal. You are surely familiar with amalgam fillings, also known as black fillings.
Nowadays, amalgam fillings are rarely used because newer-generation materials with different properties have completely replaced the so-called black fillings.
Today, aesthetic materials take priority—these are white fillings or composite restorations.
TREATING CAVITIES
Cavities are the most common dental disease today and the leading cause of pulp and root inflammation.
Cavities are caused by bacteria found in dental plaque, which also contains food and saliva.
When plaque remains on the teeth, the bacteria convert sugar from food into acids that dissolve the minerals in the enamel. Damage to this primary, essential protection leads to the formation of tooth cavities.
When treating a tooth, it is crucial to completely remove the cavity to prevent further tooth decay.
Cavities can be superficial, in which case a filling is placed after removing the decay. However, when a cavity is deep, it affects the pulp and the tooth’s nerve. In such cases, the tooth must undergo endodontic preparation—cleaning and filling of the root canals—before placing a filling.
The severity of cavity damage also determines the size of the filling.
When a filling is exceptionally large and unlikely to withstand chewing forces (especially after root canal treatment), a ceramic inlay, onlay, or a crown is placed on the tooth. A crown serves as additional protection for such teeth.
Sometimes, before placing a filling or crown, root canal-treated teeth are reinforced with buildups that extend into the root canal—these are fiber posts designed to further strengthen the tooth.
While a filling is primarily used for reconstructing damaged teeth, it can also close small gaps between teeth (diastema). It can even be applied to the front surfaces of teeth, particularly for aesthetic reasons, even if the teeth are not damaged—these are known as composite veneers.
BENEFITS OF WHITE FILLINGS
- White fillings bond exceptionally well with the tooth, reducing the risk of cavities forming around an existing filling (so-called secondary cavities). Once a white filling is placed in a tooth cavity, it is bonded with the tooth using ultraviolet light, allowing patients to eat immediately after the procedure without waiting.
- It looks just like your natural tooth. Since these fillings come in various shades, they can be matched to your tooth color, ensuring no visible difference.
- With a white filling, you can chew just as you did before, as composite material is strong enough to withstand chewing forces. With proper oral hygiene, these fillings can last a long time.
- The material does not cause allergic reactions, and there are no known contraindications for placing a composite filling.
The procedure for placing or replacing a filling is painless, as local anesthesia is used.
Post-procedure sensitivity in some patients is normal. If you experience sensitivity to hot and cold, it can last up to two weeks, gradually decreasing over time.