DENTAL FILLINGS

DENTAL FILLINGS

To treat a cavity or decay, the decayed portion of the tooth is removed and then filled with filling materials such as GIC, composite, amalgam and or porcelain.

PROCEDURE

First, the area around the tooth is numbed with a local anesthetic. Next, a drill, air abrasion instrument or laser is used to remove the decayed area. After which the space is prepared for the filling by cleaning the cavity of bacteria and debris. The material is selected based on its requirement and esthetic quality. After the filling is in, the restoration is finished and polished.

For tooth-colored fillings, the tooth-colored material is applied in layers. Next, a special light that “cures” or hardens each layer is applied. When the multilayering process is completed, composite material is shaped to the desired result, which is followed by trimming off any excess material and polishing the final restoration.

Direct composite veneers are veneers made of a composite resin material, which are applied directly to the teeth.

Indirect composite veneers are custom made ‘indirectly’ outside of the mouth in the dentist’s office or laboratory. During the e inter-rim period a set of temporary veneers are given, until the indirect veneers are made. At the next appointment, the indirect composite veneers are applied on the teeth with a layer of adhesive.

DENTAL FILLING AFTER CARE:

  • Consumption of food should be avoided while the anesthetic is still in effect to avoid biting the lip, tongue or cheek due to numbness in the area.
  • In case of a composite or glass ionomer filling, food can be consumed after the filling has been set by the blue light at the dentist’s office. However, it is highly recommended to be on a soft diet until the filling sets completely (24 hours).
  • After getting a filling, biting onto hard food and objects should be avoided.