The Filling Procedure

A filling is a very versatile type of dental restoration, they can be used to repair minimal enamel damage or keep a tooth functional after a more serious surgical treatment – such as a root canal. The actual procedure of prepping and filling a tooth varies depending on the extent of the damage, but the aim is always the same – to keep the structure of the tooth intact and prevent bacteria from getting into the system, causing dangerous infection.

How are fillings fitted?

As with most surgical procedures, your mouth will have to be numbed with anaesthetic before the dentists can proceed; many people are put off by the thought of needles or numbing agents, but with a skilled dentist, you won’t feel a thing before or after the injection. Depending on your circumstances, you may be treated with some type of general anaesthetic or sedation, but it’s often the case that dentists prefer to keep their patients conscious throughout.

When the anaesthetic has taken affect, the treatment can begin. Your dentist will first prepare the tooth in question by removing any damaged or decayed areas with specialist tools, leaving only healthy tissue behind. It’s important that all the fragments or infected parts are excised completely; otherwise the problem might reoccur at a later date. It’s possible that there may need to be some reshaping or resizing of the vacated areas, to make sure that the filling can fit comfortably – this is especially common with root canal treatments, where the pulp chamber has been excavated.

A thorough cleaning is then performed, just to make absolutely sure that there are no bacteria remaining. When the tooth has been prepared and cleaned it has to be isolated so that the surgery can run smoothly, this involves placing a device over the tooth to protect it from saliva or other fluids, it’s vital that the area is kept dry or the filling won’t bond properly when it is fitted. A layer of very strong adhesive is applied to the tooth, before the filler material is poured into the hole – this requires a delicate hand and a keen eye, too much and the tooth will be overflowing, too little and the structure won’t be properly protected. When the right amount has been added, the filling is left to bond with the enamel, this normally takes only a few minutes, and some dentists will shine a curing light over the tooth to heat the ingredients and make them form a more solid bond.

If the situation is slightly more complicated – for example, the decay has reached the root system beneath the gum line, further measures may need to be taken, in order to fully excavate the decayed area. Special liners can be used to protect the nerve from the filling, and the filler material added in layers, so that they can be hardened individually between each application.

When the filling has been fitted and bonded, all that remains to do is to tidy around the tooth, this means cutting away any excess material and then polishing the filling to a presentable degree.

What are the different types of filling?

There is a range of fillings available for every type of dental problem; your dentist will be able to recommend the right material for your personal circumstances. The two most prominently used filling materials are amalgam and composite, amalgam has been a staple of the dental industry for decades, thanks to its durability and malleable form. However, in recent years, modern technology has allowed different materials to come to the forefront of dental surgery, namely composite bonding, which gives a more discreet outcome.

Amalgam – This filling material is still very popular with many dentists, despite several attempts to retire it from use, a large amount of dental professionals maintain that amalgam has yet to be surpassed as far as performance and durability are concerned. The metal is made up of various different components, usually materials like copper, silver, tin, mercury, and sometimes gold. Although amalgam fillings are more noticeable than their composite counterpart, they are very hard wearing and can last for decades without presenting any problems; they are also fairly inexpensive compared to other materials. Thanks to its cost and performance, amalgam remains a favourite with dentists and patients across the UK.

Composite bonding – This more natural looking alternative to metal fillings is rising in popularity, primarily because patients are after a more subtle filling, one that people won’t be able to see, even when they open their mouths fully. Composite is made up of a strong resin that matches the teeth in colour and appearance, and generally requires less restructuring than with metal fillings, meaning the patient spends a shorter time in the dentist’s chair. The resin is less durable than amalgam, but is still very hard wearing, and can last for years in great condition. The main down side of composite material fillings is that they tend to cost more than amalgam versions, sometimes twice as much, depending on which clinic you attend.

Which type is more likely to give me toothache after filling?

There’s no way to say whether or not you will suffer toothache upon completion of your surgery, but the reality is that your recovery depends on the skill and experience of the dentist you choose. Cleaning and preparing the area correctly is essential to avoid complications in the weeks after, and the exact measurements of the filling material can also affect the recovery rate. It’s likely that you will need to attend more than one appointment after your filling has been fitted, just to make sure the healing process is moving along smoothly, and to make any necessary adjustments. If you think you might be in need of a filling, or you would like to discuss the process with a dental professional, give the team at the Pearl Dental Clinic a call to arrange a consultation.