Fillings as a way of dentistry treatment is known since ancient times. The Egyptians made fillings of a dust millstone mixed with honey. And in China since the Middle Ages teeth were filled by an silver amalgam – and this method has survived up to now. When a dentist makes tooth filling, first he removes diseased tissue decay, and then clean out the infected area, then the cleaned area is filled with special solution. The solution prevents the further spread of decay, and as a consequence – the destruction of the tooth. Perhaps you have the impression that the whole process of installation of a filling is one continuous pain, or at least a whole range of unpleasant sensations. It is not right. In our office a tooth filling takes place under local anesthesia, the patient feels nothing during the filling, at the same time he is fully conscious. If you notice a hole in the tooth, it means that the process is rather neglected, at least initial caries has already developed. If the decay is close to the root the dentist has to clean and fill root canals.
Today, dentistry has a safe and durability filling materials of high quality. Here are the most popular of materials of the new generation:
Composite or White fillings are a tooth-colored mix of glass or quartz and a resin. Because of active sticking to the surface the resin system allows the filling to keep strong in the tooth. The special lamp light is used to harden composite fillings. Composite is a unique material and it allows the dentist to create a filling what he needs. Composite material allows to make fillings on the most various surfaces, restore fractured teeth fragments, as well as to form a filling flush with the tooth surface, and choose the needed color. Large fillings are not made of a composite matterial, as it can wear out or chip off in a short period of time. In addition, composite fillings can be painted from tea, coffee, or tobacco. The average lifespan of composite fillings is up to 10 years.
Porcelain or ceramic fillings (inlays/onlays). This type of fillings can restore large cavities and should be made in the dental laboratory. Porcelain fillings are very durable and will last many years.
Gold fillings are very strong and resist fractures and can last you for more than 20 years. Gold is the best restorative material, according to experts, however, the gold fillings are very expensive and have a specific color.