Dental Filling in İstanbul, Turkey
What is a Dental Filling?
A dental filling is the process of filling the emptied area with special materials after the decayed or traumatized tissue is cleaned. A dental filling allows the patient to regain the aesthetics and function of the damaged tooth. With developing technology and treatment techniques, modern dental fillings successfully mimic the appearance of a natural tooth.
In Which Situations is a Dental Filling Applied?
We can summarize the problems that lead to dental fillings as follows:
Dental Caries (Cavities): If tooth decay has not progressed to the point of tooth loss, it is applied to stop the progression of the decay and preserve the tooth structure.
Fractured or Cracked Teeth: Used in the repair of small fractures or cracks in the tooth enamel.
Worn Tooth Surfaces: Used to restore teeth worn down by teeth grinding or acidic erosion.
Early diagnosis of dental caries is critical to preserving the vitality of the tooth. Early intervention is necessary in this process, which can lead to tooth loss.
Purposes and Benefits of Dental Filling
The main purposes of dental filling treatment and the benefits it provides for patients are as follows:
Restoration of Chewing Function: Helps the damaged tooth perform its normal chewing function.
Strengthening Tooth Structure: Supports the weakened tooth structure, reducing the risk of fracture.
Improvement of Aesthetic Appearance: A natural and aesthetic appearance is achieved, especially by using tooth-colored filling materials.
Facilitation of Oral Hygiene: Smooth-surfaced fillings make it difficult for bacteria and plaque to accumulate, thus facilitating oral hygiene.
Prevention of Caries Progression: Cleaning and filling the existing cavity prevents the decay from spreading to deeper tissues.
Purposes and Benefits of Dental Filling
The main purposes of dental filling treatment and the benefits it provides for patients are as follows:
Restoration of Chewing Function: Helps the damaged tooth perform its normal chewing function.
Strengthening Tooth Structure: Supports the weakened tooth structure, reducing the risk of fracture.
Improvement of Aesthetic Appearance: A natural and aesthetic appearance is achieved, especially by using tooth-colored filling materials.
Facilitation of Oral Hygiene: Smooth-surfaced fillings make it difficult for bacteria and plaque to accumulate, thus facilitating oral hygiene.
Prevention of Caries Progression: Cleaning and filling the existing cavity prevents the decay from spreading to deeper tissues.
Types of Dental Fillings and Their Areas of Use
The types of dental fillings commonly used today and their main areas of use are as follows:
Composite (White) Fillings: These fillings, which are aesthetically indistinguishable from natural teeth due to their compatibility with the natural tooth color, are generally the most preferred type of filling by patients.
Amalgam (Silver) Fillings: This type of filling has high durability, but it is not a preferred application due to aesthetic concerns as its color is easily distinguishable from the natural tooth color.
Ceramic Fillings (Porcelain Inlay / Onlay): The damaged part of the tooth is replicated with ceramic material, and therefore, while looking like a natural tooth, it is also durable and can be used for many years.
Types of Dental Fillings and Their Areas of Use
The types of dental fillings commonly used today and their main areas of use are as follows:
Composite (White) Fillings: These fillings, which are aesthetically indistinguishable from natural teeth due to their compatibility with the natural tooth color, are generally the most preferred type of filling by patients.
Amalgam (Silver) Fillings: This type of filling has high durability, but it is not a preferred application due to aesthetic concerns as its color is easily distinguishable from the natural tooth color.
Ceramic Fillings (Porcelain Inlay / Onlay): The damaged part of the tooth is replicated with ceramic material, and therefore, while looking like a natural tooth, it is also durable and can be used for many years.
How is the Dental Filling Procedure Performed Step by Step?
The dental filling procedure usually involves the following stages:
Examination and X-ray: Our doctor plans the treatment by evaluating the depth of the decay and the substance loss in the tooth from the X-ray you will have taken in our clinic.
Cleaning the Decay: After the area to be cleaned is numbed with local anesthesia, the decay in the tooth is completely removed. This procedure is painless as it is performed under anesthesia.
Filling Application: The cleaned cavity is filled layer by layer with filling material and hardened with special light sources.
Final Touches and Polishing: To bring the filling to the natural tooth structure, retouching is done, and during this time, the height of the filling is adjusted according to the bite.
How is the Dental Filling Procedure Performed Step by Step?
The dental filling procedure usually involves the following stages:
Examination and X-ray: Our doctor plans the treatment by evaluating the depth of the decay and the substance loss in the tooth from the X-ray you will have taken in our clinic.
Cleaning the Decay: After the area to be cleaned is numbed with local anesthesia, the decay in the tooth is completely removed. This procedure is painless as it is performed under anesthesia.
Filling Application: The cleaned cavity is filled layer by layer with filling material and hardened with special light sources.
Final Touches and Polishing: To bring the filling to the natural tooth structure, retouching is done, and during this time, the height of the filling is adjusted according to the bite.
Durability and Estimated Lifespan of Dental Fillings
The durability and lifespan of dental fillings vary depending on the type of material used:
Composite Fillings: Generally last between 5 to 7 years.
Amalgam Fillings: Have an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years.
Ceramic Inlay / Onlay Fillings: Can last 10 to 15 years or longer.
Things to consider to extend the life of the filling:
- Brushing teeth regularly at least twice a day.
- Limiting the consumption of sugary and acidic foods.
- Going for regular dental check-ups every six months.
- Using a night guard if you have a teeth grinding or clenching habit.
Things to consider to extend the life of the filling:
- Brushing teeth regularly at least twice a day.
- Limiting the consumption of sugary and acidic foods.
- Going for regular dental check-ups every six months.
- Using a night guard if you have a teeth grinding or clenching habit.
What Should Be Considered After a Dental Filling?
Here are some important points to consider after a filling procedure:
First 24 Hours: It is recommended to avoid food consumption during the numbness period to prevent damage to soft tissues (such as the tongue, lip, inner cheek tissue).
Sensitivity: It is normal to experience mild sensitivity to cold and hot foods, especially in the first few days. However, if the sensitivity persists, you should definitely consult your dentist.
Falling Out or Fracture of the Filling: Although rare, if the filling falls out or breaks, you should contact your dentist without delay to have the filling repaired or replaced.