Dental ( Tooth ) fillings or dental restorations as the name suggests used to restore the normal shape of the tooth in case of decay, trauma or loss of tooth. Dental restorations is a very broad terminology which can include restoration of a part of tooth or the entire tooth. Dental restorations are usually done when the decayed or cavitation part of the tooth is removed.
What are the types of dental restorations ?
As mentioned above dental restorations is a broad terminology which can include restorations from a small filling to the restoration of a complete tooth (missing tooth). The restorations which are directly placed on the tooth are called as Direct restorations. Direct restorations include silver amalgam fillings, composite resins and glass ionomer cements.
Indirect restorations refer to the restorations which are fabricated in the laboratory and then placed on the tooth. Such restorations include inlays, onlays, crowns, veneers, post & core and are made up of various materials like stainless steel, gold and porcelain. Ask your treating dentist about the types of indirect restorations and about the advantages and disadvantages of each in detail to have a better understanding.
When is a dental filling or restoration advised ?
A dental filling/restoration is usually advised when you have a cavity (decayed tooth) which could be either symptomatic or asymptomatic, when you have a fractured tooth or you are experiencing sensitivity or pain in a tooth or multiple teeth.
How do you prepare for a dental filling or restoration ?
The dentist will do your complete oral cavity examination with a detailed history taking of your overall health before deciding the treatment. The treatment is performed in the dentist’s with or without the administration of anesthesia. Your dentist might also advise and perform some X-ray imaging to see the extent of decay or damage to the tooth which in turn will help in deciding the right treatment for you.
How is dental filling or restoration performed ?
A dental filling or a dental restoration is done in the dentist’s office on a dental chair where the dentist will remove the decayed or damaged part of your tooth and then fill it with materials such a silver amalgam or a tooth colored filling. The damaged or the decayed part is usually removed with a rotary instrument with a coolant so that the pulp of your tooth is not affected during the cavity preparation.Silver amalgam fillings have a long lasting life and better strength but are not commonly used these days because of their dark color and mercury in the cement which could be harmful for health. Also silver fillings require a large cavity preparation which increases the chances of pulpal exposure and leakage of toxins of mercury into the pulp.Tooth colored restorations are either glass ionomer cements or composite resins. Glass ionomers have lesser strength and are usually not preferred for permanent restorations. On the other hand, nowadays very good strength composite resins are available which can be used for both anterior and posterior tooth restoration and shade matching of your natural tooth and the composite resin is also feasible thereby making the restoration aesthetic as well.Indirect restorations are fabricated in the laboratory and then are fixed or cemented on to the tooth indirect restorations might require multiple sittings.
How do you take care of your dental filling or restorations ?
Dental fillings or restorations need the normal care like our natural teeth so brushing appropriately twice daily, flossing and use of a mouth rinse is essential to maintain the oral hygiene and life of the restoration. If you experience any bad taste or discomfort because of the filling you are advised to see your dentist immediately. Fillings also have a life span and hence can deteriorate over a period of time and hence it’s important to ask your treating dentist about the same and when would you required a re-restoration.
Are any risks and complications associated with dental filling or restorations ?
Dental fillings, restorations are fairly safe procedures and complications could occur if one is allergic to the restorative material. It is important to tell your dentist if you have any metal or resin.
How to find dental surgeons for dental filling or restoration ?
Now you can find dental surgeons for dental filling or restoration from different dental clinics, hospitals and destinations on a single platform, Hinfoways. You can avail opinions from multiple dental surgeons , get approximate cost for dental filling or restoration from different dental clinics and hospitals, compare things and then choose a dental surgeon or a hospital for dental filling or restoration.
Find and choose a dental surgeon for dental filling on Hinfoways. Make an informed choice.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
