Tooth Filling

When do you really need a filling? Have you ever noticed black spots on your teeth or experienced sensitivity on your teeth, chances are that you may require a filling. Tooth filling is one of the SIMPLEST PROCEDURES TO SAVE A TOOTH FROM FURTHER DAMAGE. You may have been putting off this treatment due to a variety of reasons but we here at Blue Dental will answer all of your queries to alleviate your fears.

How are cavities formed and spread?

Bacteria from food settles down on tooth surfaces and slowly starts penetrating the layers of the tooth forming black colored holes, causing cavities known as tooth decay.

The tooth has 2 protective outer layers to safe guard the innermost layer

The first outer covering is the enamel which is the hardest layer in the human body
The second outer covering is the dentin which is harder than bone but softer than the enamel
The innermost covering is the pulp which is the most sensitive part of the tooth and the softest layer containing nerves and blood vessels

The cavity starts spreading from the enamel to the dentin and then to the pulp

When the cavity is in the first two layers i.e. The enamel and the dentin, the tooth can be saved by a procedure known as tooth filling or restoration

What is a tooth filling?

Filling is a way to restore a tooth damaged by decay back to its normal function and shape. We at blue dental perform restorations using a biocompatible tooth colored restorative material known as glass ionomer cement and a composite material. We are strictly against silver filling as it causes mercury toxicity due to its composition.

What will happen if my tooth is not filled?

Since the cavity has reached either enamel or dentin, it might cause sensitivity or might even entrap food due to the damage occurring to the tooth. This is the right time to conservatively save the tooth by getting a filling done.

If left untreated it will spread to the pulp and might cause severe pain with pus formation. In some cases, pain may not arise but there could be a huge dormant infection. At this stage the tooth should either go in for a root canal treatment or undergo removal.

Saving the tooth at the initial stage by getting a filling is less cumbersome, inexpensive and painless

How long does a filling last?

Any filling (permanent) would stay for a good number of years provided there is good maintainance from your end which includes twice brushing and flossing. Being regular for dental checkups once every 6 months also helps.