If the teeth are not well taken care of, they begin to rot and lose their function. In the case of the progression of these caries, the teeth may become unusable and may even be pulled out. Tooth filling is a treatment applied to prevent tooth loss. Teeth that have started to decay with dental filling or are broken due to external effects can continue to perform their old functions again. So what is a dental filling, how is a dental filling done? You can continue reading our article to learn more about this process. If you think you need a dental filling treatment, you can always apply to our clinic.
What is Dental Filling?
The tooth may need a filling treatment for different reasons. Filling treatment is the process of restoring deformed teeth to their health. Tooth filling is not a one-of-a-kind treatment. With the use of different materials and methods, different options have emerged over time for tooth filling. The right treatment method for the patient is decided together with the dentist. The patient's budget also plays a major role in filling preference.
Tooth Filling Treatment Methods
There are three commonly used methods for dental filling: Amalgam, glass ionomer, composite and porcelain.
Amalgam Dental Filling: This is the most widely used and least costly method for treatment. Amalgam is obtained from elements such as mercury, copper, silver and zinc. Amalgam fillings have an average of 5 years of use and then need to be renewed. Its color is much darker than tooth color. For this reason, it may not be preferred due to aesthetic concerns. Since the filling is less likely to appear in the upper and posterior teeth, it is used more in these teeth. If you are allergic to mercury, you should report this to your dentist and seek alternative filling methods.
Glass Ionomer Tooth Filling: It is a type of filling that can be used even by pregnant women and children and does not contain any harmful substances. Since fluoride is released in glass ionomer filling treatments, the teeth are better interlocked.
Composite Tooth Filling: It is the preferred filling type because it is both durable and the same color as the tooth color. Thanks to its color match, it can be used easily on the front teeth. Composite resin materials are mixed and poured into the tooth cavity and take the shape of this area. This item is cured by LED lights. It is also used as a part of dental aesthetics and smile design treatments, as it can harmonize with the tooth in color.
How Long Does the Tooth Filling Process Take?
The duration of the tooth filling process varies according to the number of teeth to be filled and the material to be used. On average, each tooth has a processing time of 30 minutes. Fillings with ready-made material can be completed in a short time. Fillings that need to be measured, such as porcelain, undergo a consultation process, so the treatment can be completed in longer periods.
Temporary filling can be used if the patient has come for a check-up for their falling fillings and a different material will be filled. Temporary fillings can be placed in the tooth in a much shorter time and fill the gap in the tooth until the treatment with the actual filling material is completed. Thanks to the temporary filling, the tooth will not be open to different diseases and problems until the filling is done.
What are the Izmir Dental Filling Prices?
There are many factors that affect the prices of treatments applied in dental clinics, such as tooth filling, tooth whitening or root canal treatment. The expertise of the physician performing the application for dental filling, the social security and insurance institutions with which the dental clinic is contracted, and the number of teeth to be filled play a major role in determining the total price. On the other hand, the material to be used is one of the main reasons for the price differences in dental fillings.
Accurate pricing for all dental treatments, including dental fillings, can only be made after a dental examination. If you think you need a dental filling, if you have a persistent pain in your teeth, you can visit our dental clinic at any time. Thus, your problem is determined by a specialist and your treatment process can begin.
Porcelain Dental Filling: It is a type of filling that can be used longer than amalgam, glass ionomer and composite. It creates an aesthetic appearance by harmonizing with the teeth. It is more costly than other types of filling and in case of breakage, it may be necessary to fill again, not repair. Due to the fact that the porcelain dental filling is custom-made in the laboratory by measuring the tooth, the treatment is completed in more than one session, unlike other filling types. This means more visits by the patient to the dental clinic.
Those who do research for dental filling treatment can see that gold is also used as a filling material. Gold filling is very durable as it has a lifespan of more than 20 years, but it is also very costly compared to other methods. It is not a method recommended by dentists in terms of cost, especially if there is a need for filling in more than one tooth.
5 Frequently Asked Questions About Tooth Filling
1. How long does a dental filling last?
The life of the dental filling varies according to the filling material used. The higher the material quality, the longer the life of the fillings. It is possible to extend the life of the filling with regular control and dental care. Problems such as fractures, cracks and dislocation may occur in dental fillings due to external factors. In such cases, you should go to the dentist as early as possible and the necessary treatment should be done by repairing or re-doing the filling.
2. Does the filled tooth decay?
If the patient does not adequately care for his teeth and mouth, previously decayed and filled teeth may decay again. When this situation is noticed, the dentist should scrape the filling and perform the necessary treatment and renew the filling. If you feel long-term sensitivity and pain in your filled tooth, your tooth may have started to decay. In this case, the right thing to do is to consult your dentist.
3. Is the post-filling sensitivity normal?
Just like other dental treatments, it is normal to feel sensitivity in the mouth after filling. This sensitivity is expected to gradually decrease and end within a week. If your sensitivity lasts longer, it is recommended that you consult your dentist to make sure there are no complications.
4. What should be considered after filling?
A patient who has a dental filling should stay away from very hot and very cold foods and drinks in the first stage. In addition, nuts, peeled fruits and sticky foods that can escape between the teeth and displace the filling should not be consumed. While eating, the person should chew slowly and, if possible, with the unfilled side of the mouth.
5. Is the treatment of every tooth decay a dental filling?
Almost any decayed tooth can be replaced with a filling. If the decay has descended to the roots of the tooth, first root canal treatment may be required. Tooth filling is a treatment that is decided and recommended according to the condition of tooth decay.