Have a missing tooth? Are you looking forward to undergoing a dental filling treatment? But not sure about the procedure, types, cost, and success rate? Well! this article will explain everything about the dental filling treatment.

What Is Dental Filling?

A dental filling is a restorative dental procedure used to restore the damaged or missing structure of your tooth or teeth. The damaged tooth structure due to fracture or tooth decay can be restored with various types of dental fillings that can provide an aesthetic look to your smile. Dental fillings also help prevent further tooth decay that causes damage by making it hollow. Dental fillings are applicable to repair the gaps formed in your teeth, due to tooth decay, broken teeth, or teeth that are worn off due to dental habits like nail biting or teeth grinding.

Also Read :- How effective is laser treatment for cavities?

When do you require a Dental Filling?

The factors that might require you to undergo a dental filling treatment may include:

• Any cavity formed due to decay or cavity in the tooth
• Dark spots/ stains on the surface of the tooth
• Gaps in your tooth where food often gets stuck.
• Chipped tooth
• Tooth sensitivity due to hot or cold beverages or food
• Abrasions of tooth or teeth
• Supraerupted tooth

You may require a dental filling procedure when you notice any of the above-mentioned symptoms. Your dentist may suggest a dental filling procedure after taking proper oral screening. 

Dental Filling Procedure

A dental filling may help restore your teeth that have suffered or have experienced decay. Here are the steps involved in the dental filling treatment:

• The first step involves a dental examination, where your dentist might do an X-ray to understand the depth of the decay on your tooth. It is necessary because dental fillings are best for restoring teeth due to small fractures or decays.
• Based on the degree to which your tooth is damaged or decayed, your dentist might carry out the procedure for a dental filling.
• During the procedure, your dentist may or may not administer local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth.
• Thereafter, the affected tooth and the surrounding areas are prepared for restoration work.
• Your dentist will make use of a laser or handpiece with diamond cutting burrs to remove any damaged part or debris from the teeth. Thorough cleaning is done to remove all the decay or discolored tooth structure.
• The isolation is done to do a dental filling and then the filling is done based on your choice for filling up the decay. The type of filling also depends on your case.
• At the end of the treatment, the tooth is polished to give an even look.

Also Read :- Dental flossing techniques and types. Does it cause gaps in your teeth?

What are the different Types of Filling Materials used?

Dental fillings are of various types. The kind of dental filling used depends on the tooth decay condition, cost, and also whether the person getting it is allergic to any type of material. The various kinds of  dental filling are:

• Metal filling: This type of filling is either silver or gold. The silver filling is not very expensive when compared to gold, but most people prefer to use gold fillings. It is because gold fillings can withstand strong chewing forces and last for 10-15 years but the cost of gold is very high and the color is not aesthetically pleasing. 
• Amalgam filling: This kind of filling is prepared by using a combination of Silver alloy and mixed with mercury and is, therefore, has great strength. It is also the preferred filling suggested by dental professionals but the drawback is the color and it cannot be done to all the teeth. 

• Glass Ionomer Cement Filling: This kind of filling is prepared by using a combination of cement powder and liquid mix to get the cement which contains glass and quartz particles. Very good material but does not bear high stress.

• Composite filling: Composite dental fillings are tooth-colored fillings made up of glass or quartz particles and acrylic resin. they can be customized to match the shade of your tooth. It is usually recommended for front teeth restoration and also back teeth and for chipped teeth. It functions by making a strong bond with your tooth structure.
• Porcelain filling: This type of filling is considered best for persons looking for an aesthetic appearance. It is recommended when the person's tooth decay is huge and requires maximum covering. It lasts very long and does not stain or wear off very easily. But the only drawback is it is very expensive.

Also Read :- Dentures: Types, purpose, procedure and care

What Is the Cost of Dental Fillings?

The cost of dental filling is not fixed and may vary depending on several factors like

• The type of dental filling procedure
• Any other procedure is required before undergoing the dental filling.
• The type of material used for a dental filling
• Location (clinic or hospital) 
• Type of dental insurance if any
• Number of teeth that requires filling

A normal dental filling can cost you around Rs. 800 to Rs.2500 in a private clinic. However, the composite dental filling may cost higher than the normal one due to the use of traditional amalgam fillings and a more sophisticated process that uses expensive tools and materials.

How to take care of your Dental Filling?

Once the dental filling procedure is completed, your dentist may ask you to take care of them so that it lasts longer

• If the area is anesthetized during the procedure, so make sure your anesthesia is worn off before you chew something
• Avoid consuming anything too hot or cold until the effect of anesthesia is there
• You may feel a little soreness around the gum area, for which your doctor may prescribe medications
• You may experience some pain but it lasts only for a day or two
• Try to avoid foods that are hard and tacky that can stick to your teeth.
• If you have a habit of grinding your teeth, make sure you are using a mouth guard to protect your filling
• If you feel tooth sensitivity for a very long time, you should consult your dentist
• Maintain good dental hygiene by regular brushing, flossing, and cleaning your teeth along with proper mouthwash

Today, several dental filling materials are available that help restores your tooth structure. Make sure you ask your dentist which one is best suited for you or you can also contact expert dentists at MyDentalPlan.in to understand more about dental fillings and their procedure and cost.

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About the Author:

Suprithi Choudhary, M.Pharm (Pharmacology) Medical Content writer

Suprithi is a Pharma Professional working as a medical content writer and previously worked as a Research Scientist and Senior Research Analyst

Education

• C.M Academy
• Attended the Panjab University- Chandigarh, Pharma post-graduate in Pharmacology

Special thanks to Dr Deepak Kulkarni, a dental surgeon with over 23 years of experience who proofread this blog. He graduated from the H.K.E's Dental College, Gulbarga, and has certifications in ACHS International Accreditation Education Plan; Advanced Rotary Endodontic - Restorative Continuum; and Leadership, Team Building and Customer Service Leadership from the Oscar Murphy International.