Dental Fillings

AESTHETE Dental Clinic provides tooth filling services. Our doctors have extensive practical experience and impeccable professionalism, which allows us to solve problems regardless of their complexity. We will explain what dental fillings are, what materials they are made from, how and in what situations they are installed.

Dental Fillings — What Are They?

Filling is a common dental procedure used to restore a damaged tooth. It involves filling the cavity in the tooth that has formed as a result of treatment with a pliable material, which hardens after some time. This method of restoration has been known to ancient civilizations. Modern dentists use materials that:

• Are harmless to the body;
• Can withstand significant loads and serve the patient for a long time;
• Match the natural tooth enamel in color and do not change color after prolonged use.

The doctor installs the filling so that it is not perceived as a foreign body. Its surface is polished and smoothed to make it perfectly smooth.

Fillings are most often placed on permanent teeth rather than on milk teeth. However, in some cases, fillings are also used for treating children whose temporary bite has not yet been replaced with permanent teeth.

Fillings can be placed in different areas — on the front and chewing surfaces of teeth, and in between teeth.

There are no direct contraindications for fillings. This technique is even used for patients with increased tooth sensitivity, provided that effective pain relief is applied. However, some patients may have an allergy to specific materials used in fillings. In this case, the doctor will suggest alternative options.

Why Do You Need a Dental Filling?

Functions of a filling:

• Functional — restores the damaged tooth, allowing it to withstand chewing pressure;
• Aesthetic — conceals the defect;
• Protective — prevents pathogenic microorganisms from entering the tooth, affecting the dentin beneath the enamel layer, or penetrating into the root canals.

Fillings are especially common in the treatment of caries and pulpitis. They are also used:

• To fill a defect caused by traumatic impact, such as a chip or crack;
• When there is excessive enamel wear.

Types of Dental Fillings

All types of fillings used in dentistry can be divided into two groups:

• Temporary fillings;
• Permanent fillings.

Temporary Fillings are used to cover an exposed area of a damaged tooth during intermediate stages of dental treatment. In some cases, it is part of the treatment, with medications added to the filling material.

This method is applied:

• For treating deep caries — when it is unclear whether the pulp needs to be removed, a temporary filling is placed, and after a few days, the patient's response is assessed. If they continue to experience pain, further treatment is required.
• For treating pulpitis — temporary fillings are used to isolate the root canals, where medication is left, preventing the re-entry of harmful bacteria.
• While ceramic inlays are being made.
• In cases of extensive treatment, when the patient cannot stay in the dentist’s chair for long and the procedure needs to be paused.

A Permanent Filling is placed after the dental treatment is completed. It is used to restore the defect caused by the destruction of tooth tissue and prevent secondary infection.

Temporary and permanent fillings are made from different materials. The dentist chooses the material based on the clinical situation and the patient's individual characteristics.

Temporary Fillings

They are typically placed for 1-2 days. In rare cases, temporary fillings may be used for a longer period, up to 2-3 weeks, or even up to 6 months for root cysts.

Key features:

• Low cost;
• Simple to make and remove;
• Low to moderate aesthetic properties.

Materials used for temporary fillings:

• Water-based dentin or zinc sulfate powder — a mixture based on zinc oxide and sulfate with modifying additives. A paste is made by mixing the powder with distilled water.
• Dentin paste — a ready-made material based on zinc sulfate powder, which may include a fragrance.
• Cement base — contains zinc phosphate cement, which is capable of withstanding significant pressure and is suitable for use on chewing teeth.
• Polymer paste — a versatile solution for making both temporary and permanent fillings, which hardens quickly under ultraviolet light.

Permanent Fillings

These are intended for long-term use. Typically, the service life is 4-5 years, but if placed by a highly qualified specialist and if the patient follows proper dental care, they can last much longer.

Modern permanent fillings are known for their high aesthetic properties. They are made from materials that, once hardened, are difficult to distinguish from natural tooth enamel. The dentist can choose the shade to match the patient's tooth color.

A classic solution that has been used for permanent fillings for a long time is amalgam, a combination of mercury and metals like tin, copper, and silver. The undeniable advantages of these fillings are strength and durability; they can last 10-15 years without replacement. However, mercury is toxic, even in low amounts, and the filled areas are noticeable with their characteristic silver color.

Gold inlays are also noticeable. Unlike fillings made from other materials, they are not made in the dental office but in a laboratory. Gold is non-allergenic and can last 15-20 years, but the major downside is the high cost.

Cements are also widely used for permanent fillings. These are pastes made from silicate or phosphate powders and acids. Advantages include:

• Low cost;
• Easy to make;
• High resistance to mechanical impacts;
• Good adhesion to dental tissues.

Disadvantages:

• Relatively short lifespan — 3-5 years;
• Tendency to wear and discolor, making the filling noticeable.

Glass ionomer-based fillings are also cement-based. They are more aesthetic than silicate and phosphate alternatives, but they are more susceptible to wear.

Epoxy resin-based fillings are used for molars. They usually darken 2-3 years after placement, so they are used in places where this won't be noticeable.

Another material used for fillings is acrylic. It is inexpensive, and the color can be adjusted to match the natural tooth enamel. However, acrylic has some issues due to its porosity, which:

• Easily stains from substances found in food and drinks;
• Promotes bacterial growth, increasing the likelihood of caries.

Most dentists now prefer composite light-cured material for fillings. It contains a polymer matrix, an organic matrix, and an inorganic filler. This pliable material hardens quickly under ultraviolet light. The dentist applies it in layers and cures each layer with a UV lamp. Advantages include:

• Service life of 5-10 years;
• Good aesthetic properties — the filling becomes invisible immediately after placement;
• Easy care;
• Minimal toxicity — suitable for pregnant women.

However, after prolonged use, light-cured composite fillings may also darken.

Advantages of Dental Fillings

Filling a tooth prevents further decay, provided the initial treatment is done professionally. Other benefits of this dental procedure include:

• The ability to treat caries and pulpitis, and seal root canals to prevent the penetration of harmful bacteria;
• Long-lasting solution — the filling's lifespan depends on the material used and the patient's oral care;
• Good aesthetic properties — you can choose a solution that remains invisible;
• Possibility of re-installation — old, darkened fillings can be removed and replaced with new ones, usually a simple procedure with minimal discomfort for the patient.

Small, darkened fillings can be covered with veneers — ceramic or composite shell covers. At AESTHETE Clinic, we use the Magicneers technology, which allows us to install veneers without grinding the teeth. This improves the aesthetics of the smile without pain or discomfort.

How Fillings Are Installed

The process of installing a filling consists of several stages:

1. Diagnosis: The dentist examines the patient’s oral cavity, identifies teeth affected by caries and pulpitis, and evaluates the extent of the problem. In complex cases, X-rays may be taken to assess the state of the teeth and jaw. Based on the examination, the dentist decides if filling is appropriate.
2. Anesthesia: Filling placement itself is painless, but removing the damaged tooth tissue may cause discomfort, especially if caries has penetrated deeper than the enamel. Local anesthesia is typically used, and in some cases, a gel may be applied if the procedure is minor.
3. Preparation: After anesthesia takes effect, the dentist uses a drill to remove the damaged tissue and shape the cavity for the filling. The degree of preparation depends on the severity of the problem. The tooth must be completely cleaned of infected tissue to prevent further decay.
4. Filling Placement: The dentist places the filling material in layers, curing each layer with a UV lamp if using light-cured composite. The filling color is chosen to match the patient’s natural tooth enamel.
5. Final Touches: The dentist checks how the teeth come together and polishes the surface. This not only improves aesthetics but also reduces plaque accumulation.

In most cases, only one visit is needed for caries treatment, with a permanent filling placed right away. If the diagnosis is pulpitis, a temporary filling is placed first, and the permanent one is installed once the treatment is confirmed successful.

It is recommended to avoid eating for 2-3 hours after filling placement to allow the material to harden completely. Also, if anesthesia was used, residual numbness might prevent you from feeling if you've accidentally bitten your lip or cheek.

Factors That Affect the Lifespan of Fillings

The longevity of a filling is influenced by:

• Location of the tooth — fillings on molars wear out faster due to heavy chewing pressure.
• Oral hygiene — improper cleaning accelerates wear, even for the most durable fillings.
• Diet — hard foods and sweets can affect fillings.
• Regular dental visits — it is recommended to visit a dentist every six months for preventive check-ups to detect any issues early.

It is important to:

• Brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes;
• Use not just a toothbrush but also dental floss, an irrigator, and mouthwash;
• Visit the dentist regularly for preventive check-ups;
• Wear special mouthguards for sports.

If you suspect caries, pulpitis, or other dental issues, contact AESTHETE Dental Clinic. We are located in Dubai (UAE), Bluewaters Island. Our doctors place fillings from various materials quickly, efficiently, and painlessly.

Q&A

Can I eat after getting a filling?

Modern fillings harden immediately after exposure to UV light. However, for a while, the material is susceptible to staining from foods. Additionally, residual anesthesia may prevent you from feeling if you accidentally bite your tongue or cheek, so it’s recommended to wait 2-3 hours before eating.

Is it painful to get a filling?

The filling placement itself is painless. However, there might be some discomfort when removing the damaged tooth tissue or cleaning the root canals. This is done under anesthesia.

When is it too late to fill a tooth?

Fillings are not placed if the tooth is more than 30% or 50% destroyed. The decision depends on the specific clinical situation, with special attention to the condition of the root.

How can I make sure my filling lasts long?

Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing at least twice a day, avoid hard foods and excessive chewing pressure, and visit the dentist regularly for check-ups.