Cavity filling

To treat a cavity dentist will remove the decayed part of the tooth and then fill in that region.Fillings are also used to repair cracked or broken teeth and teeth that have been worn down from misuse.

Temporary fillings:

 Temporary fillings are just that; they are not meant to last. They usually fall out, fracture, or wear out within a month. Be sure to contact your dentist to have a temporary filling replaced with a permanent one. If you don't, the tooth could become infected or you could have other complications.

   Temporary fillings are used under the following circumstances:

1. For fillings that require more than one appointment i.e before placement of gold fillings and for certain filling procedures (called indirect fillings) that use composite materials
2. Following a root canal
3. To allow a tooth's nerve to "settle down" if the pulp became irritated
4. If emergency dental treatment is needed.

Types of filling materials:

• Cast gold.
• Silver amalgam.
• Ceramics.
• Tooth colored composites.
• Glass ionomer.
   

 

Problems with fillings

 Pain and Sensitivity

•  A tooth may be sensitive to pressure, air, sweet foods, or temperature. Usually, the sensitivity resolves on its own within a few weeks. During this time, avoid those things that are causing the sensitivity. Pain relievers are generally not required.
• Pain around the fillings can also occur.
• If you experience pain when you bite, the filling may be interfering with your bite. You will need to return to your dentist and have the filling reshaped.
  
  • If the decay was very deep or close to the pulp of the tooth, you may experience a "toothache-type" pain.
  • This "toothache" response may indicate this tissue is no longer healthy. In this case, a root canal may be required.

Filling allergies:

 Allergic reactions to silver fillings are rare. Fewer than 100 cases have ever been reported, according to the ADA. In these rare circumstances, mercury or one of the metals used in an amalgam restoration is thought to trigger the allergic response.Patients who suffer amalgam allergies typically have a medical or family history of allergies to metals.

Caring of teeth after filling:

  To maintain fillings, you should follow good oral hygiene practices -- visiting your dentist regularly for cleanings, brushing with a fluoride tooth paste, and flossing at least once daily. If your dentist suspects that a filling might be cracked or is "leaking" (when the sides of the filling don't fit tightly against the tooth, this allows debris and saliva to seep down between the filling and the tooth, which can lead to decay), he or she will take X-rays to assess the situation. If your tooth is extremely sensitive, if you feel a sharp edge, if you notice a crack in the filling, or if a piece of the filling is missing, call your dentist for an appointment.