Dental Fillings (Restorations)

What is a Dental Fillings?

A dental fillings (also called a restoration) is a treatment used to repair a tooth damaged by cavities, cracks, or wear. The dentist removes the decayed portion of the tooth and fills the space with a special material, restoring the tooth’s shape, function, and strength.

Why Do You Need a Filling?

• To treat cavities (holes caused by tooth decay)
• To repair broken, cracked, or worn teeth
• To restore chewing ability
• To prevent further decay and protect the tooth

Types of Filling Materials

1. Amalgam Fillings (Silver Fillings)

   • What it is: A mixture of silver, mercury, tin, and copper.
   • Pros:
     • Strong and long-lasting (10–15 years or more)
     • Affordable
     • Good for back teeth (molars), where chewing force is high
   • Cons:
     • Silver color – does not look natural
     • Requires more drilling of the tooth structure
     • May cause cracks over time due to expansion/contraction
     • Some patients dislike mercury content (though it’s considered safe)

2. Composite Fillings (Tooth-Colored Fillings)

   • What it is: Resin material that matches the natural color of teeth.
   • Pros:
     • Looks very natural (blends with tooth color)
     • Bonds directly to the tooth, preserving more natural structure
     • Can be used for front and back teeth
   • Cons:
     • Slightly less durable than amalgam (lasts 5–10 years on average)
     • May chip or wear faster if used on very large fillings
     • Slightly more expensive than amalgam

3. Ceramic (Porcelain) Fillings / Inlays & Onlays

   • What it is: High-quality porcelain filling, often made in a dental lab.
   • Pros:
     • Excellent aesthetics – very natural looking
     • Strong and durable, resistant to staining
     • Long lifespan (10–15 years or more)
   • Cons:
     • More expensive
     • Requires at least two dental visits (unless made with CAD/CAM technology)

4. Glass Ionomer Fillings

   • What it is: A material that releases fluoride, helping to protect teeth.
   • Pros:
     • Releases fluoride (helps prevent future cavities)
     • Bonds well to tooth structure
     • Good for children’s teeth or fillings near the gumline
   • Cons:
     • Not as strong as composite or amalgam
     • Wears out faster, especially in areas with heavy chewing
     • Limited use for permanent back teeth

Choosing the Right Filling

The best filling material depends on:

• Location of the tooth (front or back)
• Size of the cavity
• Your budget
• Aesthetic preference (natural look vs. cost)

Aftercare for Fillings

• Avoid chewing on very hard foods with freshly filled teeth
• Maintain brushing and flossing regularly
• Visit the dentist for regular check-ups to ensure the filling is intact

♥ Takeaway:

Dental fillings restore damaged teeth and prevent further problems. From affordable silver