Dental fillings

Dental Fillings

Dental fillings (pronunciation: /ˈdɛntəl ˈfɪlɪŋz/) are a common type of dental restoration used to treat cavities and tooth decay.

Etymology

The term "filling" comes from the English word "fill", which means to make full or complete by supplying what is lacking. In the context of dentistry, it refers to the process of filling a cavity or hole in a tooth with a restorative material.

Description

Dental fillings are used to restore the function, integrity, and morphology of missing tooth structure, which can be caused by caries or external trauma, such as chipping or cracking a tooth. The two most common types of material used for dental fillings are amalgam and composite resin.

Amalgam fillings, also known as silver fillings, are made from a mixture of metals including silver, tin, copper, and mercury. They are durable and long-lasting, but they can be noticeable when you laugh or smile.

Composite resin fillings, also known as white fillings, are made from a tooth-colored plastic and glass mixture. They are less noticeable than amalgam fillings and can be closely matched to the color of your natural teeth.

Procedure

The procedure for placing a dental filling involves several steps. First, the dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth. Then, they will remove the decayed tooth material using a drill, air abrasion instrument, or laser. The dentist will then clean the affected area to remove bacteria and debris. Once the cavity is clean, the dentist will fill it with the chosen filling material. After the filling is placed, the dentist will finish and polish it.

Related Terms

• Dental Restoration
• Amalgam
• Composite Resin
• Caries
• Tooth Decay

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Dental fillings
• Wikipedia's article - Dental fillings

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