How Are Dental Fillings Placed?
The process of placing dental fillings typically involves the following steps:
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Numbing the tooth: The dentist will first numb the tooth and surrounding area using a local anesthetic. This will prevent you from feeling any pain or discomfort during the procedure.
Removing the decay: The dentist will then use a dental drill or other instrument to remove the decayed portion of the tooth. They will clean the area thoroughly to ensure that all decay has been removed.
Preparing the filling material: Depending on the type of filling being placed, the dentist may need to prepare the filling material before placing it in the tooth. For amalgam fillings, this involves mixing the metals together to form a paste. For composite or porcelain fillings, the material may need to be shaped and molded to fit the prepared cavity.
Placing the filling material: Once the filling material is prepared, the dentist will place it in the prepared cavity and shape it to fit the contours of the tooth. They will then use a special light to harden the material and ensure that it is properly bonded to the tooth.
Finishing the filling: After the filling material has been placed and hardened, the dentist will shape and polish it to ensure that it looks and feels like a natural part of the tooth. They will check your bite and make any necessary adjustments to ensure that the filling is comfortable and does not interfere with your bite.
History of Dental Fillings
The history of dental fillings can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, who used a mixture of powdered barley and honey to fill cavities in teeth. In medieval Europe, gold and silver were used to fill teeth, but these materials were expensive and not widely available.
It wasn’t until the early 19th century that the first modern dental fillings were developed. In 1828, French dentist Auguste Taveau developed a mixture of silver coins and mercury to fill cavities in teeth. This early form of dental amalgam was not very effective, as it tended to expand and crack teeth over time.
In the 1830s, American dentist Edward Maynard developed a new type of dental amalgam that was made from a mixture of silver, tin, and mercury. This new formulation was more stable and durable than previous versions of dental amalgam, and it quickly became popular among dentists.
Over the next century, dental amalgam became the most commonly used filling material in dentistry, as it was relatively inexpensive and easy to work with. However, concerns began to arise about the potential health risks
associated with the mercury content of dental amalgam, and alternative filling materials began to be developed.
Types of Dental Fillings
There are several types of dental fillings available, including:
- Amalgam fillings: These are made from a mixture of metals, including mercury, silver, tin, and copper. Amalgam fillings are strong and durable, and can last for many years without needing to be replaced. However, they are silver-colored and can be noticeable in the mouth.
- Composite fillings: These are made from a mixture of plastic and glass particles, and can be matched to the natural color of the tooth. Composite fillings are highly aesthetic and are a good option for restoring teeth in visible areas of the mouth. They are not as strong or durable as amalgam
fillings, however, and may need to be replaced more frequently.
- Porcelain fillings: These are made from a type of ceramic material that can be matched to the natural color of the tooth. Porcelain fillings are highly aesthetic and can be used to restore large areas of the tooth that have been damaged by decay or trauma. They are more expensive than composite or amalgam fillings, however, and require more preparation time.
- Gold fillings: These are made from a mixture of gold and other metals, and can last for many years without needing to be replaced. Gold fillings are strong and durable, but are very expensive and not as aesthetic as other types of fillings.
Materials Used in Dental Fillings
The materials used in dental fillings vary depending on the type of filling being placed. The most common materials used in dental fillings include:
- Mercury: This liquid metal is used in amalgam fillings to bind the other metals together and form a paste. While the amount of mercury released from dental amalgam fillings is considered safe by most dental organizations, some people are concerned about its potential health risks.
- Silver: This metal is used in amalgam fillings and makes up the largest proportion of the mixture by weight, usually around 25-30%.
- Tin: This metal is used in amalgam fillings to increase the workability of the mixture and improve its setting properties. It typically makes up around 13-15% of the mixture.
- Copper: This metal is added to amalgam fillings to improve their strength and durability. It usually makes up around 6-8% of the mixture.
- Plastic: This material is used in composite fillings and is made from a mixture of plastic and glass particles. Composite fillings are highly aesthetic and can be matched to the natural color of the tooth.
- Ceramic: This material is used in porcelain fillings and is a type of ceramic material that can be matched to the natural color of the tooth. Porcelain fillings are highly aesthetic and can be used to restore large areas of the tooth that have been damaged by decay or trauma.
- Gold: This metal is used in gold fillings and can last for many years without needing to be replaced. Gold fillings are strong and durable, but are very expensive and not as aesthetic as other types of fillings.