Dental fillings are a an important restorative treatment for teeth damaged by decay, cracks, or wear and tear. By removing the infected or affected tooth material and replacing it with durable filling materials, dentists can protect the remaining healthy structure, improve the appearance and prevent further damage. Fillings serve several vital purposes:
- Prevent infection: Filling cavities seals off pathways for bacteria to enter the pulp chamber where they could cause abscesses or even lead to extraction.
- Stop pain: Removing decay alleviates sensitivity and discomfort associated with compromised enamel.
- Improve Appearance: Broken chipped teeth can reduce the impact of a beautiful smile, which can be restored with esthetic fillings
- Restore chewing function: Patient can bite hard food and chew again normally without pain.
The most common types of fillings include Composite resin (tooth-colored), Amalgam (silver), Glass Ionomer (GIC) and gold inlays/onlays. Each has its own advantages depending on the location, size, and function of the tooth. For instance, amalgam is strong and long-lasting for posterior teeth, while composite resin and GIC blends seamlessly with surrounding enamel for visible teeth.