Restorations – Fillings
To treat a cavity, we will remove the decayed portion of the tooth, and then fill up the area on the tooth where the decayed material was removed from.
Fillings are also used to repair broken or cracked teeth, and also teeth that have been worn out from misuse like nail-biting or tooth grinding.
First, we will use a local anaesthetic to numb the area around the tooth to be filled. Next, a drill like equipment will be used to remove the decayed area. The choice of instrument depends on the location and extent of the decay.
Next, we will probe or test the area to determine if all the decay has been removed. Once the decay has been removed, we will prepare the space for the filling by cleaning the cavity of bacteria and debris. Generally, after the filling is in, we will finish it and polish it. Several additional steps are required in case of tooth-coloured fillings.
Several dental filling materials are available. Teeth can be filled with gold; porcelain; silver amalgam, or tooth-colored, plastic, and materials called composite resin fillings. The location and extent of the decay, cost of filling material, and our recommendation assist in determining the type of filling best for you.