Dental Fillings

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

Dental fillings – what are they?

Filling is a common dental procedure used to restore a damaged tooth. It involves filling a cavity in the tooth, created during treatment procedure, with a pliable material, which hardens after some time. This restoration method was already 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 shade and do not change color after prolonged use.

The doctor installs the filling in such a way that it is not perceived as a foreign body. Its surface is ground and polished to become perfectly smooth.

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

Fillings can be placed in different areas – on the front and chewing surfaces of teeth, as well as in interdental spaces.

There are no direct contraindications for dental fillings. This procedure can even be performed in cases of increased tooth sensitivity, provided that effective anesthesia 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 a dental filling is needed?

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 applied for:

• restoring a defect caused by traumatic impact, such as a chip or crack;
• treating excessive enamel wear.

Types of dental fillings

All types of dental 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, they are also a part of the treatment itself, with medications added to the filling material.

This method is applied:

• For treating deep caries — when it's necessary to determine whether pulp removal is required, the dentist places a temporary filling and checks the patient's reaction after a few days. If the patient continues to experience pain, further treatment is needed.
• For treating pulpitis — temporary fillings are used to isolate the root canals, where medication has been placed, preventing the re-entry of harmful bacteria.
• While ceramic inlays are being fabricated.
• In cases of extensive treatment, when the patient cannot remain in the dentist’s chair for long and it is necessary to pause the procedure.

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

In most cases, temporary fillings are placed for 1-2 days. In rare cases, temporary fillings may be used for longer periods, up to 2-3 weeks, or even up to 6 months (in cases of root cysts).

Key features:

• Low cost;
• Easy 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-to-use 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 rules, 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 material long used for permanent fillings 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 highly visible due to 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, however, 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 – up to 3-5 years;
• Tendency to wear down and discolor, making the filling noticeable.

Glass ionomer-based fillings are also cement-based. They surpass silicate and phosphate cements in terms of aesthetics, but their drawback is low resistance to wear.

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

Another material used for fillings is acrylic. It is inexpensive, and its shade 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.

Nowadays, dentists mostly prefer composite light-cured material for fillings. Their composition includes 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:

• Lifespan of 5-10 years;
• Good aesthetic properties – the filling becomes invisible immediately after placement;
• Easy to maintain;
• 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 tooth 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 pathogenic 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 reinstallation – old, darkened fillings can be removed and replaced with new ones. In most cases, this is a simple procedure with minimal discomfort for the patient.

Small, darkened fillings can be covered with veneers – ceramic or composite shell covers. At AESTHETE Dental 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 placement of a filling is a process that consists of several stages:

1. The dentist begins with a diagnosis. He examines the patient's oral cavity, identifying teeth affected by caries or pulpitis, and assessing the extent of the problem. In complex cases, X-rays are used (either a panoramic image or a focused shot of a specific area) to understand the condition of the patient's dentition. Based on the examination results, the dentist decides whether filling is appropriate.
2. The next step is anesthesia. Installing the filling itself is painless, but removing the damaged tooth tissue may cause discomfort, especially if caries has penetrated beyond the enamel. Local anesthesia is typically used in such cases. For minor treatments that don't take much time, the dentist may apply a special gel to the tooth surface.
3. Once the 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. All infected tissues must be completely removed to prevent further decay. If pulpitis is present, the root canals also need cleaning.
4. After the cavity is prepared, the dentist places the filling material, pressing the pliable material in layers until the cavity is completely filled. For light-cured composite fillings, each layer is hardened with an ultraviolet lamp. At this stage, selecting a shade that matches the patient’s natural enamel is crucial for an invisible result.
5. Finally, the dentist checks how the teeth contact each other 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. This is necessary because the filling material needs time to fully harden. 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 dental fillings

The durability of fillings is influenced by the following factors:

• Location of the tooth – fillings on molars wear out faster due to heavy chewing pressure;
• Quality of oral hygiene – inadequate or improper brushing accelerates wear even of the most durable fillings;
• Diet – hard foods and sweets can affect fillings;
• Frequency of 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 only a toothbrush, but also dental floss, an oral irrigator, and mouthwash;
• Visit the dentist regularly for preventive check-ups;
• Wear special mouthguards for sports to protect your teeth.

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 made from various materials quickly, efficiently, and painlessly.

Q&A

Can I eat after getting a filling?

Modern fillings are made from light-cured composite materials that harden immediately after exposure to ultraviolet 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, the patient may experience discomfort during the removal of decayed tooth tissue or during root canal cleaning and nerve removal. For this reason, treatment and subsequent filling are performed under anesthesia.

When is it too late to place a filling?

Fillings are not placed if the tooth is more than 30% or 50% destroyed. The dentist makes the decision based on the specific clinical situation. Particular attention is paid to the condition of the root – if it is severely damaged, restoring the tooth will not be possible.

How can you make a filling last longer?

You should maintain thorough oral hygiene and brush your teeth regularly at least twice a day. You should avoid hard foods and excessive chewing pressure. Do not use your teeth to open bottles or tear packages. It is also important to visit the dentist twice a year for preventive check-ups.

Referense

• WebMD Medical News: "FDA: Possible Risk From Dental Fillings."
• MedicineNet: "Fillings."
• American Dental Association: "Dental Filling Options."