Inlays, Onlays, Fillings
Fillings are used to treat dental caries after the decayed section of the tooth has been removed. Additionally, fillings are used to repair teeth that have been worn down over time, such as fractured or cracked teeth (such as from nail-biting or tooth-grinding).
Dental fillings come in two varieties: Direct fillings and indirect fillings
Direct Fillings:
Direct fillings are constructed by the dentist in the office in a single visit. Materials used for dental fillings include:
- Tooth-colored composite fillings.
- Glass Ionomer, is made of acrylic and a particular kind of glass.
- Silver fillings (amalgams).
- Ceramics/porcelain.
Direct filler materials could have advantages and disadvantages:
Tooth-colored composite fillings:
Advantages:
- Shade can be accurately matched to the color of existing teeth.
- Binds to existing teeth providing additional strength.
- Widely used for repairs other than cavity fillings.
- Requires less tooth removal than amalgams.
Disadvantages:
- At least five years in duration (as opposed to the 10 to 15 years of other materials).
- The potential for tooth chipping depends on location.
- Costing up to twice as much as amalgam fillings.
- Taking longer to put and/or requiring more visits.
Glass Ionomer, is made of acrylic and a particular kind of glass:
Advantages:
Releases fluoride, which can aid in preventing additional tooth decay, and is typically utilized for fillings below the gum line.
Disadvantages:
Is less durable than composite resin, more prone to wear and fracture, has a lifespan of five years or less and is priced similarly to composite fillings.
Silver fillings (amalgams):
Advantages:
Cost-effective compared to composite fillings, lasts at least 10 to 15 years.
Disadvantages:
- Necessitate the removal of more teeth to produce a cavity large enough to accept a filling.
- Give the surrounding dental structure a grayish tint.
- A broader degree of expansion and contraction may increase the danger of tooth cracks and fractures.
- In some cases, may be allergenic.
Ceramics/porcelain:
Advantages:
More durable than composite resin material and more stain resistant.
Disadvantages:
can be as expensive as the crown.
Indirect fillings:
Indirect fillings are comparable to composite or tooth-colored fillings, with the exception that they are created in a dental laboratory and need to be inserted throughout two visits. When you don’t have enough dental structure to sustain a filling but your tooth isn’t too badly injured to require a crown, indirect fillings may be an option.
Inlays and Onlays are the two different types of indirect fillings:
Inlays: are similar to fillings in that they are completely contained within the cusps (bumps) on the tooth’s chewing surface.
Onlays: cover one or more cusps and are larger than inlays. Onlays are referred to as partial crowns at times.
Frequently asked questions:
Are silver amalgam fillings safe?
The FDA, various public health organizations, and the American Dental Association (ADA) all deem silver (mercury-based) amalgam fillings to be safe. However, the FDA just recently changed its advice about the use of amalgam fillings in some people like (pregnant or nursing, kids under six years old, people with Alzheimer's disease, people whose renal function is compromised, and people who are allergic to mercury or other elements of dental amalgam).
The FDA advises against removing dental amalgam in high-risk individuals if it is in good condition, claiming that doing so would increase exposure to mercury vapor and have more negative effects than positive ones.
How do I care for my teeth after fillings?
Practice good oral hygiene by seeing your dentist frequently for cleanings, using fluoride toothpaste, flossing, and an antibacterial mouthwash at least once a day.
Why do my teeth feel sensitive after getting recent dental fillings?
Tooth sensitivity after a filling has been placed is fairly common. A tooth may be sensitive to air, pressure, sweet foods, temperature, and other factors. The sensitivity normally disappears on its own within a few weeks. During this period, stay away from anything that makes you sensitive. Painkillers are typically not required.
Why or when might a dental filling require replacement?
Because of one of these reasons, ordinary deterioration, filling fails and decay appears, or there is significant degradation.
