Services in Dentistry Part 1: Dental Fillings

Today, I will be starting an 8-week series of blog posts talking about the different types of services a typical dentist offers. Each week’s post will be dedicated to a specific procedure in dentistry where I will explain what you really need to know, including what it is and how it is performed.

This week’s topic is the most common procedure done in dentistry – FILLINGS!

anonymous dentist using drill and mouth mirror for dental treatment

Back in the day, most dentists used METAL amalgam fillings. Over time, we started moving away from metal fillings due to its mercury component, which is a known neurotoxin. Research has shown that mercury can have harmful effects on many of our vital organs throughout the nervous, digestive, and respiratory systems.

As a result, most dentist nowadays use composite filling, aka tooth-colored fillings, as the gold standard for restorative dentistry. Composite fillings are made from resin material and is the preferred material by many dentists due to its superior aesthetic results and good durability.

Though fillings are fairly straightforward conceptually, the procedure is quite technique-sensitive. For instance, a filling will come off if it is not bonded well to the tooth or if it is exposed to saliva during the packing process. It is important that proper technique is used during the procedure, which is why it is invaluable to choose an experienced dentist when getting a tooth filled.

Here is a grossly decayed canine (left picture). The tooth decay grew so large because the patient had not been to the dentist in 10+ years. *Regular dental visits* **prevent** *large cavities like these from growing because it would have been detected and addressed MUCH earlier.* The right picture is after the decay was properly removed and cleaned, and filled with a composite filling. Due to the deep extent of the decay, the patient may need a root canal in the future if he develops pain and sensitivity.

This is a typical step-by-step instruction of how a cavity is filled:

Your dentist will diagnose decay through an x-ray or from detecting it directly on the tooth surface during a clinical exam.
Using a high-speed drill, your dentist will remove the damaged enamel. The inside of the tooth is further cleaned so that only solid tooth structure remains.
Next, the remaining healthy tooth structure is etched. Etching is done so that we remove any residual debris on top of the tooth to ensure a good bond with the filling.
After the tooth is thoroughly etched and rinsed, a dental bond is applied and light-cured with a UV light. This bond allows the filling to chemically bond to the tubules inside the superficial layer the remaining healthy tooth structure.
The dentist will pack the filling material incrementally inside the prep.
Once they shape the filling and make sure there are no voids or gaps, the UV light is again used to cure the filling. This will harden the filling in place.
The filling is adjusted so that when you bite your teeth together, you are not hitting the filling first. Once the ideal bite is achieved, the filling is polished so that it is smooth to the tongue.

Here is another case where the patient had an unhealthy habit of drinking Mountain Dew **all day**. As a result, he developed **rampant decay** all around his teeth, especially around the gum line. The top photo shows all the **damaged enamel** by the gum line, which is a common denominator of individuals with sugar/soda addiction and poor oral hygiene. *When you eat sugary food or drinks, your mouth bacteria interact with the sugar, creating acid. If not cleaned properly, this acid **eats** away your enamel, creating* **tooth decay**. The bottom picture is after all decay was removed and cleaned. The picture was taken right after completion, which is why his gums were still bleeding.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Once I get a filling, can I get a cavity on the tooth again?

It all depends on your oral hygiene!

If properly done, meaning no voids and no decay remaining under or around the tooth, the filling should last you a long time. If you are someone who continues to maintain a high-sugar diet and does not properly brush or floss, there is a good chance you will get a cavity around the area in a few years.

2. Is it Normal to feel sensitive after a filling procedure?

Yes!

Some people are more sensitive than others. It is very normal to feel sore for a couple days after a filling. Some may even feel sensitive for a week or two after a filling procedure. However, if it becomes worse, you should call your dentist ASAP because bite adjustments may be necessary. If your bite is off and the filling is too high, it can cause tenderness, cold sensitivity, and pain upon touch.

3. Will I Be Able to Tell if I Need a Filling?

Cavities are almost always asymptomatic, meaning they do not hurt or cause sensitivity until it is too late.

This means the decay inside the tooth has gotten so big that it has invaded your tooth nerve. In this case, a root canal may be required. It is best to address the cavity and get it filled as soon as possible to avoid a larger, more complex procedure!

Lastly, composite fillings can also be used aesthetically! This patient was very self-conscious about the gap between her teeth and wanted to get it fixed before her engagement photos. Without the use of local anesthesia or drilling, we were able to fill the space quickly and conservatively!

Curious if you have any dental cavities? Get a thorough dental check up today!

Book online at BMEDental.com!

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