A dental filling is a restorative material used to restore the integrity, function, and morphology of a missing tooth structure. This loss in structure is often as a result of external trauma or cavities. Dental fillings can also prevent further decay and help restore teeth damaged by decay back to their usual function. Fillings are also used to repair broken or cracked teeth, worn down teeth resulting from misuse such as tooth grinding or nail-biting.
When Dental Filling is required
Tooth decay is a primary reason why a dentist may recommend a filling. Other reasons include:
- Cracked or broken teeth
- Worn down teeth as a result of unusual use, such as:
- Nail-biting
- Using your teeth to open things
- Tooth grinding (bruxism)
Procedure
At the start of the procedure, the dentist will give you a local anesthesia to numb the region around the tooth. After which the dentist will cut through the enamel with a drill to remove any decay. Once the decay is removed, the dentist shapes the space to prepare it for the filling. In the case of a bonded filling, the dentist will scrape the tooth using an acid gel before the filling is placed. For some types of filling, the dentist may need to put a layer on the resin and then use a bright light to harden it. This is done to make it much stronger. Once the filling has been placed, the dentist will then polish the tooth. In treating a cavity, the decayed portion will be removed by the dentist and then that region where the decayed material was removed will be “filled”.
At Blacktown Family dental, we are equipped with qualified professionals to carry out the procedure without pain or discomfort.