Filling is a common treatment for cavities; not only that it prevents further tooth decay, it also restores the tooth to be fully functional and in a pleasant condition. To treat a cavity with a filling, the decay must not be too extensive and the gum is healthy.
Filling Procedures
The decay portion of the tooth is removed by drilling and replaced with a filling. In case that the decay extends to the dentine, a base material may be used before the filling to prevent sensitivity. A shot of local anesthetic may be required to numb the filling area.
Filling Materials
1. Traditional Fillings include amalgam and gold. Amalgam is ideal for heavy, grinding duty teeth such molars while gold is a more costly and yet most durable material for filling. At The Dentist Clinic, we import high quality material from Nova Metal, Italy to provide best filling results.
2. Composite Resin (Tooth-Colored Fillings) ideal for pleasant look and feel. In some cases, the dentists may recommend composite resin as the material for the filling since its color and texture resembles to the teeth.
Filling
Filling Care
- After the filling with amalgam, you should avoid grinding or chewing with the filling teeth for at least 24 hours, the duration which the material needs to fully solidify. You should also avoid hard or sticky food. A follow-up with the dentist may be needed to modify or polish the filling.
- In case of front teeth being filled, you should also avoid chewing hard or sticky food with the front teeth as the filling material may be damaged and the dentine may be affected.
- In case of extensive decay, after the filling you may feel sharp pain due to sensitivity. Extremely hot or cold food should be avoided. Generally you will experience less sharp pain in 2-3 weeks, otherwise a follow-up with the dentist is required.
