Dental fillings are a very important part of restorative dentistry, used to restore teeth damaged by caries or trauma. With the development of technologies and materials, options for dental fillings have expanded. Patients are now offered more options for dental restorations with more filling materials.
What are temporary fillings, and when are they placed
If the patient consults the dentist in time, the problem with the tooth can often be solved in one visit.
However, very often caries and other pathologies are diagnosed when complex therapy is already needed.
In this case, temporary fillings are used to close the tooth cavity in the intermediate stages of treatment.
A temporary filling is a material that protects the exposed area of the tooth during long-term treatment. It prevents microorganisms, chemical irritants and food particles from entering the tooth cavity. The seal relieves the patient of pain and discomfort and prevents the development of complications. Another function of a temporary filling is to fix a medicinal mixture to devitalize the nerve or kill bacteria.
Filling a tooth with a certain material allows the doctor to carry out high-quality treatment in several stages, ensuring the removal of pathological tissues and the absence of inflammation in the root canals.
A temporary seal is used:
- to remove the nerve in case of pulpitis, to fix the devitalizing paste in the cavity of the tooth;
- with deep caries, to observe the pathological process and decide whether it is necessary to remove the nerve;
- after root canal treatment to make sure the problem is fixed.
Temporary fillings are sometimes used to protect a prepared tooth before restoration.
Materials for temporary fillings
To restore the integrity of the tooth in a short period of time, plastic and inexpensive materials are used. Their main properties:
- good adhesion to tooth tissues;
- tightness of cavity closure;
- hypoallergenicity;
- ease of removal.
In modern dentistry, 3 main options are used:
- Artificial dentin is a powder based on a mixture of kaolin, zinc oxide and sulfate, which turns into a plastic material when mixed with water.
- Sealing cement is a strong mixture that is intended for the temporary restoration of chewing teeth that are subjected to heavy loads.
- Polymer paste is a viscous and very plastic material that quickly fills the dental cavity and easily hardens under the rays of the lamp.
How long can you wear a temporary filling?
Usually, the temporary filling is removed after 2-3 days – this period is enough for devitalization of the pulp or observation of the dynamics of the inflammatory process in the tooth. Sometimes the course of treatment is delayed for several weeks and requires more than 2-3 visits to the doctor.
If the temporary filling is not removed in time, the material will lose its tightness, and bacteria will begin to penetrate the root canals, and secondary inflammation of the treated tooth may occur. Drugs in the tooth cavity will damage hard tissues, the filling will crumble and fall out, leaving a significant defect in the tooth.
Replacement of a temporary filling with a permanent filling can be carried out only after all stages of treatment have been completed, and signs of pathology have disappeared from the affected tooth.
Evolution of dental fillings
The history of dental fillings goes back thousands of years. There is evidence that early civilizations used materials such as beeswax, resin, and even gold to fill cavities in teeth.
Over time, advances in dentistry have led to the development of a variety of filling materials, each offering unique benefits and features. The evolution of dental fillings reflects ongoing efforts to improve durability, aesthetics, and patient comfort.
Types of modern permanent dental fillings
In modern dentistry, several types of fillings are usually used to restore teeth.
Amalgam fillings are made from a mixture of metals, including silver, mercury, tin and copper. Amalgam fillings have been used for decades and are durable and affordable. Historically, amalgam fillings have been a common solution for restoring decayed or damaged teeth, and have been widely used for over a century. Their durability and cost-effectiveness make them a practical choice, but their silver color often causes aesthetic problems. Also, the presence of mercury in their composition caused discussions about safety. However, various health organizations, including the American Dental Association (ADA), state that amalgam fillings are safe to use when properly placed.
Composite resin fillings consist of a mixture of plastic and small glass particles, they provide a natural appearance and can be color matched to perfectly blend with the surrounding tooth structure.
With the development of dental technologies, the materials used for filling teeth also changed. The advent of composite resin marked a significant step forward in dentistry. Composite fillings offer a more aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional amalgam fillings. One of the outstanding features of composite fillings is their ability to shade in color according to the color of natural teeth. This transformative quality creates a virtually invisible restoration that blends perfectly with other teeth.
In addition to cosmetic benefits, composite fillings bond directly to tooth structure, providing additional support. Installation of such fillings requires the removal of a smaller amount of healthy tooth structure compared to amalgam fillings.
Ceramic fillings, also known as porcelain fillings, have a natural appearance that blends perfectly with other teeth. They not only match in color, but also mimic the translucency and texture of natural teeth, providing a restoration that is virtually indistinguishable.
Ceramic fillings are exceptionally strong, which makes them suitable for both front and back teeth.
Glass ionomer fillings are made from a mixture of glass and organic acids, usually used for small caries and in the restoration of milk teeth.
Colored fillings for children. The dentist can offer multi-colored fillings to fill the child’s milk teeth. Such seals have several advantages. First of all, they are attractive to children. Colored fillings are made of a liquid composite, and when the filling wears out, parents will immediately notice it.
Why should you choose modern materials?
Aesthetic appeal: Modern materials such as composite resin and ceramics allow for tooth-colored fillings that match natural teeth perfectly, eliminating the cosmetic problems associated with amalgam fillings.
Conservative approach: Composite and ceramic fillings often require less removal of healthy tooth structure during placement.
Durability: Both composite and ceramic fillings are reliable solutions, providing durability and minimizing the risk of complications over time.
Mercury-free options: composite and ceramic fillings do not contain mercury or other metals.
Filling of carious cavities is a simple procedure. Tooth-colored fillings are a safe and aesthetically appealing option for treating tooth decay and have many advantages over metal fillings. Consult with your dentist to help you decide which type of filling is best for you. Also, do not forget about daily oral care and professional teeth cleaning, which will help prevent the development of caries.