A dental filling repairs a small hole, or cavity, in your tooth. The materials used for the filling can be made from a combination of metals, plastics, or other materials, and can help even out your tooth’s surface. Dental fillings can also be used to repair cracked or broken teeth and teeth that have been worn down by tooth grinding.
Causes of Tooth Decay
The harmful bacteria in your mouth creates acids that attack your tooth’s enamel. This bacteria can result in creating a small hole in your tooth and, if there is more severe decay, may cause larger holes in your teeth to develop which, if left untreated, may cause tooth loss.
Types of Dental Fillings
There are several types of material that is currently used to repair cavities, they include:
- Gold
- Porcelain
- Silver amalgam
- Composite fillings
The type of filling material that will be used will depend on the location and the extent of the decay of your tooth.
The Dental Filling Procedure
To begin, your dentist will numb the area around the tooth that is going to be filled with a local anesthetic. Using a dental handpiece, your dentist will remove the decayed area. After probing the area, during the procedure, to make sure that the decay is removed, your dentist will clean the cavity area ensuring that there is no bacteria or debris remaining. Your dentist will prepare the surface of your tooth for the filling. After the filling has been placed, your dentist will finish and polish your filling.
