Dental Fillings
Dentist Syracuse, NY
Overview of Dental Fillings
Dental fillings are treatments that are used to re-establish the functionality, authenticity, and anatomy of missing teeth lost due to caries or external trauma and replace such structures with implants. Dental fillings also help prevent further damage to the tooth structures. Dentists examine the surfaces of every tooth with a small mirror lens, and anything that appears unusual, such as staining, sensitivity to thermal effects, or defect, will be thoroughly examined and X-rayed. The treatment is determined by the degree of the damage and the filling you choose. Visit our high-end professionals at for inquiries on getting your teeth restored.
Types of Dental Fillings: Materials Used
When a tooth's wall is lacking and requires restoration, a model should be used first to replicate the tooth's shape, making it easier to clean and preventing the teeth from clinging together. Direct fillings entail placing a soft or pliable filling material into a readied tooth and the subsequent restoration of the tooth. After that, the material is hardened, and the tooth structure is repaired.
The repair is made outside the mouth using dental imprints of the readied tooth in indirect fillings. Inlays, bridges, inlays, veneers and crowns, and bridges, are all examples of indirect fillings. They are usually made by a dental professional using dental records provided by the dentist. A dental concrete is typically used to join the completed restoration permanently. A temporary restoration device is often used to cover the primed tooth, while the indirect restoration is designed to help preserve the bordering dentine tissues.
Amalgam has been used in restorative dentistry for a long time. It is a very sturdy filling matter made up of metals such as silver, zinc, copper, mercury, and tin. Although mercury exposure is harmful, most people find amalgam secure and reliable.
Composite resin is a natural dental-colored or white material. It is more natural-looking than amalgam and can be compared to the color of other natural teeth. When used to fill back adult teeth, where there might be a great deal of pressure, it may not last very long.
Long-lasting fillings include gold and porcelain. Fillings made of porcelain can be colored to match the rest of the teeth, but gold remains. However, they are solid and sturdy and tend to be more expensive than amalgam fillings.
Glass-ionomer cement fillings can be tinted to match the color of one's teeth, but they are not as reliable as composite resin fillings. This filling is usually used on small frontal proximate surface cavities in babies' primary teeth and in regions where there's not much chewing force.
The Dental Filling Procedure Explained
After thoroughly examining the teeth and determining the filling options, dentists first use a local anesthetic to numb the region around the impacted tooth, ensuring the patient's comfort through the operation. The affected parts of the tooth may then be removed using a dental device or a laser. An acid gel is applied to the region to eliminate bacteria or debris. After that, the filling matter is applied to the cavity to fill it, then polished. Some fillings may require more than one appointment to install. Follow-up appointments are recommended, and home care tips are given.
Dental Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays are also referred to as indirect filling. These are dental restorations made in the laboratory to fill large cavities, meaning they fit a specific cavity's size and shape. Inlays and onlays provide a durable reparative solution to tooth damage or decay. They are mainly used in molars and premolars, and they are made from tooth-like materials known as porcelain that help improve the patient's aesthetic value. Inlays are designed to fit into the tooth's grooves, and they don't extend over the tooth's cusps. On the other hand, onlays are a bit larger than the inlays, and they fill larger cavities that extend over the tooth's cusps. will give you more details about dental inlays and Onlays.
Benefits of Timely Dental Fillings
Inlays and onlays provide an excellent option for full coverage crowns. They offer extra support and strength to the affected tooth. As a result, your tooth can withstand more chewing and biting pressure. Also, the inlays and onlays preserve more of your natural tooth as less enamel is removed. The inlays and onlays enhance your aesthetics as they match your natural tooth shade and color. Besides, the inlays and onlays are used to restore a failed dental filling. With proper care and maintenance, dental inlays and onlays can last for an extended period without discoloring.
Dental Inlays and Onlays Procedure
The real inlays and onlays procedure requires you to visit your dentist twice. The first visit is the preparation of the damaged tooth. If need be, your dentist will remove the existing filling in your tooth for easier placement of the onlay and inlay. The doctor will then take your tooth's impressions and send them to the dental laboratory for restoration fabrication. Inlays and onlays are commonly made from resin, porcelain, or gold material. The main difference between the three is the appearance of the final restoration. Depending on your tooth's needs, your dentist will help you choose the best inlay or onlay.
The second visit comprises of temporary filling placement where the dentist will seal the cavity to prevent your tooth from further decay and thermal stimulation. From there, your dentist will schedule one more appointment for you for inlay or onlay placement. During this appointment, the dentist will pull off the temporary filling material and cement the inlay or onlay into the affected tooth. If only requested, your dentist can administer an anesthetic to alleviate pain.
How to Care for Your Dental Inlays and Onlays
It takes only a few days for the inlays and onlays to recover fully. Practicing good oral hygiene will ensure your restorations are strong and last-lasting. Also, stop or reduce eating sugary foods after inlay or onlay placement. In addition, after taking highly acidic drinks. Most importantly, ensure you have routine dental check-ups where your dentist will regularly examine your inlays and onlays twice a year. The dentist will check for any signs of diseases, damage, or leakage during these exams.
For More Information on Dental Fillings, Give Us a Call!
For more inquiries about the different types of dental fillings, contact Janice K. Pliszczak, DDS today by calling (315) 800-5020. Book an appointment with us to get back your healthy teeth. |
