How is a filling made?

Dental fillings, also known as fillings, are one of the most common and effective dental procedures for treating cavities and maintaining tooth health. When tooth decay damages tooth enamel, early intervention is essential to prevent the damage from progressing and causing more serious problems. Fillings are a quick and long-lasting solution to restore tooth structure and protect against future complications. In this article we are going to tell you in detail how a dental filling is made, from diagnosis to the restoration and recovery process.

What is a dental filling?

A dental filling is a procedure in which the dentist removes tooth tissue damaged by decay and fills the resulting space with a restorative material to restore the tooth to normal form and function. The most commonly used materials for fillings are silver amalgam and composite resin fillings (also known as white fillings). Both materials offer advantages and disadvantages, and the dentist will decide which is most appropriate based on the size and location of the decay, patient preferences and other factors.

How to make a dental filling step by step

The procedure to perform a dental filling generally involves the following steps:

1. Evaluation and diagnosis

The first step is a thorough evaluation by the dentist to determine the presence and extent of decay. During the dental exam, the dentist will check your teeth and may use x-rays to get a more complete picture of the decay and its depth. Once the decay is diagnosed and the need for a filling is assessed, the dentist will plan the procedure.

2. Local anesthesia

Before the filling begins, the dentist will administer a local anesthetic to the area of the affected tooth to ensure that you do not feel pain during the procedure. The anesthesia will temporarily block the nerve endings in the area, allowing you to be comfortable and pain-free during the treatment.

3. Elimination of caries

With the area anesthetized, the dentist will use dental instruments, such as drills, to remove decay and damaged tooth tissue from the tooth. It is essential to remove all decay to prevent future complications and to ensure that the filling adheres properly to the tooth.

4. Tooth preparation

Once the decay has been removed, the dentist will prepare the tooth to receive the filling. This involves cleaning the area of any debris and shaping it properly so that the filling will fit precisely.

5. Placement of the filling

Depending on the type of filling used (amalgam or composite resin), the dentist will fill the space previously occupied by the cavity with the restorative material. Amalgam is placed in one piece and hardens over time, while composite fillings are applied in layers and hardened using a specialized light.

6. Adjustment and polishing

Once the filling has been placed, the dentist will check its fit and make any necessary adjustments to ensure that the bite and occlusion are correct. The tooth will then be polished to smooth out any roughness and improve its esthetic appearance.

7. Recovery and aftercare

After the filling is completed, it is normal for the treated area to be numb for a while due to the anesthesia. Recovery is usually quick, and you may feel some sensitivity in the treated tooth for a few days. It is important to follow your dentist's instructions for aftercare, which may include avoiding hot or cold foods and drinks, using toothpaste for sensitive teeth, and maintaining good oral hygiene to protect the filling and prevent further decay.

Advantages of dental fillings

Dental fillings offer several important advantages, including:

1. Tooth preservation: Fillings allow preserving most of the natural structure of the tooth, avoiding the need to extract it in cases of moderate caries.
2. Protection against future complications: Fillings seal and protect the tooth against further decay and damage, which helps prolong its life and function.
3. Aesthetic restoration: Composite resin fillings offer a natural and esthetic appearance, as they can match the color of the adjacent tooth.
4. Fast and effective procedure: Dental fillings are quick and generally painless procedures that can be performed in a single visit to the dentist.

Conclusion

Tooth filling is a common and effective procedure to treat tooth decay and preserve the health and function of teeth. The process involves evaluation and diagnosis of decay, removal of damaged tooth tissue, preparation of the tooth and placement of restorative material. With adequate local anesthesia, the filling is generally painless and recovery is quick. Dental fillings offer several advantages, including preservation of the tooth and protection against future complications. If you think you may have a cavity or need a dental filling, don't hesitate to schedule an appointment with your dentist to receive an evaluation and appropriate treatment to keep your smile healthy and functional.

Do you need to have a dental filling? Get in contact with us and make an appointment at any of the clinics of B & J Dental Clinic at the Horseshoe y Gabias.