dental fillings; It is the process of cleaning the decayed tooth structure and filling it with a special filling material. Bacteria that occur as a result of food residues remaining between the teeth and not being cleaned adequately cause dental caries by accumulating on the tooth surface over time. Dental caries, which occur as a result of inadequate oral care and cleaning, can be intervened early thanks to the filling treatment , and it ensures the minimum deformation of the tooth structure. The decaying and damaged tooth cannot perform its functions in the following process.
What are the Filling Types?
Amalgam Filling :
Fillings, also known as amalgam, also known as silver; It is a combination of mercury with any other metal. Almost all metals except iron can combine with mercury to form amalgam. Mercury, which makes up 40% to 50% of this formation, binds metal materials together; It allows the formation of a very durable filling material.
In Which Situations Is Amalgam Filling Applied?
In areas where excessive chewing forces may occur, in back teeth with large caries,
Excessive and deep caries (with tissue loss) teeth,
In patients with difficult saliva control,
In patients without mercury and metal allergy.
What should the patient pay attention to after amalgam filling?
• The area where the procedure is performed should not be used for at least 1 hour.
• It is strictly forbidden to consume hard foods within the first 24 hours after the procedure.
• After 24 hours have passed, a second session should be created for the polishing process to be performed on the patient. Thus, the anatomical and functional use of the relevant area after use is evaluated and a decision is made whether restoration is needed.
• Sensitivity to hot and cold may occur for a short time after the procedure; but it will disappear over time.
Composite Filling:
Teeth wear over time due to various reasons. A bruise, crack or fracture occurs. Filling is applied to repair the damaged teeth for such reasons. Composite filling stands out as the most commonly used filling type. The composite filling, which is in paste form before it is applied to the tooth, is hardened with the help of special lights after the application. Because the composite filling is tooth-colored, it looks aesthetically pleasing and preserves tooth integrity. Composite filling is produced according to tooth tone.
Who is Composite Filling Applied?
Filling the cavities formed as a result of decayed tooth treatments
Repair of broken or cracked teeth in front teeth
Improving the appearance of discolored teeth
Closing the spaces between teeth
Bonding of brackets in orthodontic treatments
Making teeth appear longer
Changing the existing tooth appearance
As an aesthetic alternative to different filling types
How Should a Composite Filling Treated Tooth Be Used?
Extremely hot and extremely cold foods and drinks should be avoided.
Hard-shelled foods should be consumed with caution.
The use of tobacco products containing nicotine should be avoided.
Oral care should not be interrupted and the formation of bacteria in the mouth should be prevented at the maximum level.
Acid-containing products should be avoided.
People with teeth grinding, clenching or nail biting problems should have their problems treated.
Inlay-Onley Porcelain Filling
Inlay – onlay porcelain fillings are used as an alternative treatment method in advanced dental caries. Inlay and onlay porcelain fillings, which are specially produced in the laboratory environment, are applied to the caries-free area, providing a close anatomical harmony with the tooth structure. Standard fillings are preferred for minor damage, but they are insufficient in large damaged teeth.
Inlay-onlay fillings are more suitable to prevent tooth loss and protect tooth tissue. It is preferred both aesthetically and in terms of protecting the function of the tooth. If only one surface of the tooth is damaged, inlay filling is preferred, the tooth structure is strengthened by completely covering the gap in the tooth. If the tooth is damaged both on the top and on the sides, then onlay filling is used. Both gaps are closed and the tooth structure is strengthened.
How are inlay onlay porcelain fillings placed?
Inlay - onlay porcelain filling is similar to the crown coating process, but there is no need to shape the tooth structure as in crown coating. First of all, the patient's mouth and teeth are examined, the periphery of the teeth with caries is anesthetized and the carious areas are cleaned, then the inlay or onlay porcelain filling is prepared in the laboratory by modeling the cavities formed on the tooth surface with technological tools. Until the production of the fillings is completed, temporary filling is applied to the patients, then inlay or onlay porcelain filling is applied to the patient. In inlay – onlay porcelain filling, it is important to preserve the natural tooth structure and provide an aesthetic appearance.
What are the advantages of inlay - onlay filling?
Inlay onlay fillings are specially produced in a laboratory environment and are compatible with your teeth.
The probability of discoloration is very low, it can be used for many years.
During the application, only the damaged part of the tooth is treated, and the healthy tooth tissue is preserved.
Porcelain fillings, which fully adapt to your teeth, minimize the possibility of food leakage, as a result, the risk of caries is eliminated.
Areas that are difficult to reach with ordinary fillings can be easily reached with inlay-onlay porcelain filling, and effective results are obtained in damaged areas.
Inlay - onlay fillings are durable, they maintain their strong structure for many years.
Gold Fill
Gold fillings are made to order in the laboratory and applied by gluing in place. Gold inlays have good tolerance to gum disease and can be used for more than 20 years. For these reasons, many authorities consider gold to be the best filling material. However, it is the most expensive choice and is applied in more than one session.
Advantages
• Gold does not rust.
• Some people prefer the gold color to the silver color of amalgam.
• Gold fillings are durable enough to withstand chewing force.
Glass Ionomer
In conventional filling, the material hardens without the use of bright light. Modified composite or mixed composite glass ionomer fillers are more durable than conventional fillers. A halogen or LED blue light can be used to harden the material.
It is generally used in fillings or roots in anterior teeth. Glass ionomer as a filling material is used in decayed teeth that go under the gingiva . It is also used as a substructure material in milk teeth and other fillings.
Advantages
• Although glass ionomer matches tooth color, it is not as successful as composite fillings. Modified resin glass ionomer has better color than traditional glass ionomer.
• In some cases, it is not necessary to clean the entire caries. For this reason, the filling is more comfortable for children to use.
• Glass ionomers release fluoride and protect the tooth from decay.
• Glass ionomer is clamped to the tooth. This prevents leakage and reduces the chance of cavities.