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Fillings

Home General Dentistry Fillings

Fillings

Dental caries is probably the most common recurrent diseases in the world. The prevalence of caries or dental cavities has greatly multiplied in the modern times. Cavities or tooth decay is the destruction of the hard outer layer of the teeth called the enamel.

Fillings are used to fix tooth damage due to decay to restore their normal functioning and also prevent further decay.  A number of factors are considered while deciding which type of filling material is best suited for you such as the magnitude of repair needed, the location in the mouth where the filling is required and the cost.

Types of Filling Materials

Several dental filling materials are available. Teeth can be filled with gold; porcelain; silver amalgam (which consists of mercury mixed with silver, tin, zinc, and copper); porcelain or composite resin fillings. The location and extent of the decay, cost of filling material, insurance coverage of the patients are some factors that assist in deciding the type of filling that is most suitable for you.

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Types of Cavities

Young children can acquire a type of decay known as baby bottle tooth decay or early childhood caries in which the tooth enamel is destroyed quickly. This type of decay is prevalent in children who are put to bed with a bottle of milk or juice. The bottle exposes the teeth continuously to carbohydrates throughout the night. Bacteria can increase speedily and produce acid that damages teeth. Decay can aggravate if the parent does not clean the child’s teeth and in a matter of some months it leaves a large cavity by eating through the enamel. 

In adults, the exposed roots of teeth can consummate into cavities called root caries. Adults are more prone to have receding gums due to years of hard brushing or periodontal disease. They also are more likely to Xerostomia or dry mouth. The decline in quantity of saliva results in reduced protection of the teeth and increased risk of decay. Many common medicines can cause dry mouth. 

Decay can form in between teeth especially for people who do not floss regularly. Decay can also form beneath fillings or other tooth repairs, such as crowns. Sometimes bacteria and bits of food can slip between the tooth and a filling or crown. This can happen if the filling cracks or pulls away from the tooth, leaving a gap. 

During the initial consultation or a comprehensive check up, we diagnose, take pictures, with the aid of intraoral camera giving you the ability to see for yourself. After that a range of restorative treatment solutions can be discussed that are tailor made for you. 

Steps Involved in Filling of a Tooth

  • First, the area around the tooth is made numb with a local anaesthesia.
  • Next, the decayed area is removed using an air abrasion instrument or laser.
  • Once the decay has been removed, the space for the filling is prepared by cleaning the cavity of bacteria and debris. If the decay is near the root, a liner made of glass ionomer, composite resin, or other material may be put first to protect the nerve.
  • Finally, after the filling is in, it is given a finish and polished.
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For the BEST cosmetic dental treatment in Hoppers Crossing, Werribee, Tarneit, or Point Cook, visit our clinic and experience the transformation of your smile and confidence today! Discover the best version of yourself through the treatments we offer. Your progress to a more confident, brighter smile starts with us!