A dental filling is a necessary procedure performed to repair a tooth that has been damaged by decay or caries. Its purpose is to restore the tooth’s normal function and maintain its shape.

The choice of filling type depends on several factors, including:

1. The location where the filling is needed.
2. The extent of repair required for the decay.
3. Your preference regarding the visibility of the filling.

As the name suggests, these fillings are directly placed into the tooth and may be crafted within your mouth, ensuring a customized fit.

What are dental fillings? Dental fillings, also known as tooth fillings, are artificial restorations commonly used to treat and restore damaged teeth to their original function and appearance.

Dental fillings are necessary when there are cavities resulting from tooth decay or tooth fractures/chips. It’s important to note that you don’t have to wait for a hole to develop before dental fillings are required. Early signs such as sensitivity to cold or sweet foods, persistent toothaches, or frequent food impaction may indicate the need for a filling.

During the procedure, your dentist removes the decayed portion of the tooth, cleans the damaged area, and fills the clean cavity with a filling material.

This effective procedure prevents further decay by eliminating the extra space inside the tooth where bacteria can multiply.

Tooth decay is one of the most common reasons for needing a filling. Removing the decayed portion of the tooth is crucial to prevent further damage. If left untreated, it can lead to more invasive treatments like root canal treatment or tooth extraction.

After cleaning the cavity, a filling is placed to seal and protect the remaining tooth, restoring its form, shape, and function. In cases where the cavity is extensive, your dentist may recommend a crown or onlay.

Chipped or Broken Teeth Fillings can also be used to repair and protect chipped or broken teeth. These conditions expose the inner layers of the teeth, making them susceptible to plaque buildup and subsequent tooth decay.

Worn Teeth Teeth can become significantly worn down due to factors such as tooth grinding, reflux disease, or an erosive diet. Dentists can use tooth-colored composite filling material to rebuild the lost tooth structure and protect the remaining teeth.

Tooth Abnormalities Dental fillings can restore and protect specific tooth abnormalities, such as mineral-deficient or small teeth.

Dysfunctional Bite Fillings can be added to the chewing surfaces of some teeth to create a more even and balanced bite, promoting harmony and functionality.

A dental crown is a custom-made cap or covering that is placed over a damaged or weakened tooth to strengthen and protect it. It covers the entire visible portion of the tooth, extending from the gum line to the biting surface. Dental crowns are commonly used to restore teeth with significant decay, fractures, or those that have undergone root canal treatment.

The main purposes of a dental crown are to strengthen the tooth, protect it from further damage, and improve its appearance, shape, and alignment. By fully encasing the damaged tooth, a crown provides stability and durability, allowing for comfortable biting and chewing.

Dental crowns can be made from various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys, or a combination of materials. The choice of material depends on factors such as the location of the tooth, the patient’s aesthetic preferences, and functional requirements.

You may need dental crowns if your teeth have significant decay, wear, fractures, developmental abnormalities, cracks, have undergone a root canal treatment, have been replaced with dental implants, or if you desire a smile makeover to address issues with color, shape, or alignment.

Stage 1: Consultation and Pre-Treatment

During the consultation, your dentist will examine your teeth, address your concerns, and may take X-rays or perform pulp tests. If a crown is recommended, your dentist will discuss the types of crowns available and decide on the most suitable option based on your condition and expectations.

Pre-treatment preparations may include placing a core filling material to restore large gaps in the tooth or gum contouring to ensure proper placement of the crown.

Stage 2: Crown Procedure

The crown procedure typically involves two appointments. The first visit involves preparing the tooth and taking measurements, while the second visit is for fitting the crown.

Crown Preparation The relevant tooth will be numbed with a local anesthetic. Superficial parts of the tooth are then removed to create space for the crown. An intraoral scan or mold is taken and sent to a dental laboratory to construct the crown. If a porcelain-fused-to-metal or full ceramic crown is chosen, you may select the color with your dentist. A temporary crown is placed to protect the prepared tooth while the final crown is being made.

Stage 3: Crown Fit

During the crown fit appointment, the temporary crown is removed, and the final permanent crown is tried on. It is checked for proper fit, bite harmony, and overall appearance. Minor adjustments may be made, and once finalized, the crown is sealed in place with cement. Local anesthesia is typically not needed for this step.

Stage 4: Post-Operative Care

After the crown is placed, you will be provided with instructions on how to care for it and maintain oral health. Well-made and well-maintained crowns can last for many years or even a lifetime with proper care. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene practices are important to ensure the longevity of the crown.