How to Fill tooth Cavity?

Author: Gaurav Gupta | November 22, 2017

Cavities are among the most common dental problems worldwide faced by people irrespective of their age and gender. Bad oral hygiene is responsible for tooth decay which can cause a hole (cavity) on a tooth surface. A filling is done to fill in the cavity and restore the tooth its structural heft and performance. Further, not getting a filling may make the cavity worse which can cause pain and even an abscess. In some cases, not getting dental fillingcan cause more severe dental problems such as bone loss.

What is filling?

A filling is a dental procedure to restore a tooth damaged by decay. It enables normal shape and function to the damaged tooth and treats the problem efficiently. Fillings can benefit in many ways, including -

It repairs the tooth and prevents tooth decay

The damaged tooth is restored back to normal functioning

The tooth gets back its original shape and size

Tooth decay risk does not impact other parts of oral cavity

It closes off spaces and stops bacteria to enter the tooth for any damage

Types of Filling

There are different types of filling and their suitability will depend on individual to individual. More so, which one is fit for you will depend on the extent of damage, allergy concerns with materials, oral cavity location and budget. Fillings are basically of four types -

Gold fillings – Lasting for more than 20 years and supported well by gum tissues, these fillings are considered the best even if the priciest of them all.

Amalgam (silver) fillings – relatively cheap and water resistant in nature, they are of slight black color which stops them from a good option for front teeth/spaces.

Composite (plastic) resins – Fit when a natural appearance is required, they may chip or wear over time and do not last beyond three to 10 years.

Porcelain fillings – Matching to the color of the tooth and capable of resisting staining, they are good for most of oral cavity and don’t come cheap!

Procedure involved with filling a cavity

A filling starts with the removal of the decayed tooth material, followed by the cleaning of the affected area. Then, the cleaned out cavity is filled with a right material of your choice. With spaces closed off, bacteria won’t be able to enter the tooth. You can expect the procedure to involved following steps -

1.Local anesthesia– The procedure starts with a local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth and take any sign of pain out of equation.

2.Tooth decay removal – The dentist will then make a drill to cut through the enamel and remove any decay and ready the space for the filling.

3.Etching – Atooth cavity treatment that involves bonded filling may let the dentist etch the tooth with an acid gel prior to filling.

4.Resin application – The resin will be layered and hardened, not for all fillings though, to make it strong and long-lasting in nature

5. Polishing – The tooth is polished after the filling to match the hue with the original structure

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