How is Tooth Filling Done?

Dental filling prevents tooth loss in the mouth and contributes to health and aesthetics. It is applied to decayed, broken or cracked teeth. Dental filling is one of the treatments applied to protect oral and dental health. However, how the dental filling is made may vary depending on why the tooth is damaged and where the tooth is located. Sensitivity and pain can last up to 12 hours after the filling procedure. Food should not be consumed for a certain period of time after the procedure, and hard, cold and hot foods should not be preferred.

Tooth filling is the filling of teeth with various materials for teeth that have lost their chewing function, do not look aesthetically beautiful, cracked or decayed. If the tooth filling made in previous times falls and wears out, it is necessary to have a filling again. The important point here is to choose filling materials suitable for the tooth tissue and the individual.
However, canal treatment does not mean that filling cannot be done. Filling can also be done after root canal treatment to restore the tooth and regain its former function.

What is Dental Filling?

Dental filling is defined as the restoration of decaying, broken or cracked teeth with various materials. It is aimed to fulfill the functions of teeth that have lost material. This procedure, which is performed before the decayed tissue progresses, prevents the complete loss of the tooth.

What are the Types of Dental Fillings?

In the past, only certain materials were used as dental fillings. Today, filling materials offer more alternatives. Commonly applied filling types are as follows;
Gold fillings: Gold fillings are made to order in a laboratory setting. They have a very good tolerance to gum disease and the duration of use of these fillings is not the same for every person. However, they are not among the filling types that are widely preferred today.

Composite fillings: Composite fillings , which are used in every tooth that is expected to look natural because they have the same color as the tooth, can be applied in a single session. In addition to the repair of decayed teeth, these filling types also come into play in case of fracture or crack in the tooth. While its low cost is considered an advantage, it can be stated as a disadvantage that it does not meet the expectations in terms of durability. It can wear and break over time and therefore it is useful to think especially at the point of preference of large fillings. The duration of use can vary between 3 and 10 years depending on the tooth and the individual to whom the filling is applied.

Porcelain fillings: The cost of this type of filling is slightly higher. Features such as no discoloration and stain resistance show that porcelain fillings are also preferred. Porcelain fillings can also be easily preferred for teeth that require more processing. This filling material is also prepared in a laboratory environment and applied by adhering to the tooth.

Amalgam fillings: Amalgam filling is also not preferred today. It is also called silver filling. Especially its resistance to pressure and chewing force makes this filling widely used in the back teeth. The disadvantage is that it has a gray, metallic appearance.

In Which Situations Is Dental Filling Performed?

In general, tooth filling is applied to eliminate the cavity that occurs after the cleaning of dental caries. Along with caries, trauma can also cause damage to the pulp in the inner part of the tooth, and therefore filling can be applied with canal treatment if the nerves are damaged to a level that will not heal. In some cases, if the tooth is hit, fractures may occur in the tooth. Filling can be applied to obtain the old appearance of the tooth.
In cases where the previously applied filling falls off and wears out, it is necessary to apply a filling again. Cracks in the tooth are among the factors that require the use of this procedure. Therefore, the filling process is a technique applied in various situations other than dental caries.

Temporary Dental Filling

Temporary filling, is a type of filling that is applied by choosing materials such as zinc, glass ionomer, zinc phosphate, which can be easily removed because it will only stay in the tooth for a short time. These materials harden with saliva and keep the temporary filling in place.
The most striking difference between temporary and permanent filling is their color. The permanent filling blends in with the color of the tooth itself and is designed to be unnoticeable. Temporary dental filling, on the other hand, can have a bright white, gray color, and can also be in different colors such as pink and blue. Temporary dental filling is applied and removed quickly, so it is used in various areas where permanent filling cannot be used.

What to Consider After Dental Filling Treatment

There are some side effects after the tooth filling procedure. Some of these are simple and expected to disappear within a few days. Some of them last while they are expected to lose their effect and need to be examined and treated by a dentist.
The effects felt after a dental filling vary depending on the oral and dental health status of the patient and the type of intervention performed. These effects may develop in a completely expected manner or may be unexpected. 
If anesthesia has been administered, it is recommended not to consume anything until the anesthesia wears off. Lip and cheek biting and tooth fracture may occur due to numbness.  For example, if composite filling material was used, food can be eaten shortly after the filling. 

• In cases such as tooth bonding, nothing should be consumed for 1-2 hours until the adhesive hardens. At this point, the dentist's recommendations should be followed.
• Care should be taken not to consume anything hot and cold for toothache and sensitivity that may occur in the first stage.
• It is necessary not to consume acidic foods and beverages such as oranges, tangerines, grapefruits, etc.
• Food should be chewed with the other side of the filling, not the part where it is applied.
• If these side effects persist for a long time after the filling, it is necessary to consult a dentist.