Filling
When is there a need to have a filling?
Even teeth best taken care of can start to decay with the time passing or because of genetic factors.
The dental pulp, which is the nerve and blood network feeding the tooth, can be found in the middle of the tooth itself. In case of a healthy tooth this pulp chamber is protected from environmental impacts therefore it does not hurt. When a tooth decays, the protecting wall of the inner part gets thin and the tooth becomes sensitive for anything cold, warm, sweet or sour.
In this case probably a filling might be necessary.
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When do we need to visit a dentist?
If we feel our teeth are sensitive, or we experience tooth-ache it is very important to visit a dentist as soon as possible who can offer a professional help.
The longer the decaying process takes, the more amount of dental tissue needs to be removed and after some time the tooth might not be able to be saved any more.
I have an old amalgam filling, should I have it replaced?
Yes, you’d better have it replaced. Dentists used to apply amalgam as filling material in the past but today it is considered to be an out-of-date technology.
The reason for old fillings are suggested to be replaced as soon as possible is that apart from not looking nice they contain mercury, which causes discolouration of the tooth what is very difficult then to bleach.
Also, a minimal electric tension can be created in amalgam fillings because of the alkaline agent of the oral cavity, which can result even in migrain during the years.
What is a modern filling like?
Modern fillings are made of so called composite materials, instead of amalgam. These up-to-date light curing filling materials have several generations behind. They get light treated to harden and bond. It is important that these fillings get attached to the teeth with a so called bonding technique therefore there is no need to drill as much as it used to be necessary in the case of old amalgam and white fillings, where mechanic fixing points had to be created for a good attachment.
Another important advantage of modern fillings is that they look much more aesthetic than the old ones because their shade matches the colour of the teeth therefore the filling is almost indiscernible so you can smile again with confidence.
1. Before treatment 2. Composite filling
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How fillings are made?
First the dentist needs to drill away the decayed portion of the tooth full of bacteria. During the process of making a filling we remove the decay, which makes the wall protecting the dental pulp (the blood and nerve system feeding the tooth) become even thinner than it was before therefore a so called liner, a protecting layer must be prepared for the parts close to the pulp before putting in the filling itself. This layer serves as a kind of insulating material for the pulp from the stimuli conducted by the filling.
Since the composite filling material bonds to the tooth with a bonding technique, the next step is to make the surface larger and harsher by etching it so that the bond can get into the micro spaces to stick. This process is completely harmless and secure but in some cases it can cause sensitivity for some days after the treatment for some patients.
At the end the dentist places the filling on its place. The filling gets hardened within a few seconds using a special light.
How often should we go to have our fillings controlled?
It is suggested that we go for a check-up every year because the fillings can wear off, get used, get hurt during chewing, the bond can become loose with time passing and the tooth can lose its protection to start to decay under the filling without notice.
So take it seriously! Have your decays treated and have your old fillings changed in time!
It is important to mention inlays and onlays as well:
The function of an inlay or onlay is more or less the same as that of a filling. We can say that they are kind of alternatives to each other.
The difference between a filling or an inlay/onlay is that the latter is made in a dental laboratory therefore it is more detailed and look more aesthetic than simple fillings. Inlays/onlays are made of a composite material therefore they are extremely durable.
Let us show some images to prove our words. The images below were taken at our dental clinic during treatments when old fillings were substituted with more aesthetic inlays:
Old filling of the patient fell out. We made a new one.
In the left hand side photo we can see that the old filling had fallen out so the patient wanted to have a new one that looked natural
In the right hand side photo the solution can be seen. We made an inlay for the missing filling that looks aesthetic and natural. Our patient was very much satisfied with the final result.
Replacement of old amalgam fillings
In the left hand side photo, we can see the starting state. Our patient wanted to have two amalgam fillings changed for an inlay that looks more aesthetic.
In the right hand side photo we can see the result, the inlays that look more aesthetic are on their places. One can notice the difference. 🙂
Again replacement of old amalgam fillings
In the left hand side photo we can see that our patient wanted to have two amalgam fillings replaced for a more up-to-date and nicer solution.
In the right hand side photo we can see the inlays done giving back the original form of the tooth.
ASK FOR AN APPOINTMENT at our dental office called Dent Art, situated in the center of Budapest, close to Keleti Railway Station where you will be treated with modern and up-to-date instruments by our experienced dentists.
Ha azért halogatta a fogászati beavatkozást, mert kissé tart tőle – mi törekszünk arra, hogy oldjuk a fogorvostól való szorongást és nagy hangsúlyt fektetünk arra is, hogy a kezelések a lehető legkevesebb fájdalommal járjanak.
Looking forward to seeing you at our dental clinic,
Ask for an appointment !