Filling
Filling
Filling (/ˈfɪlɪŋ/), in the context of dentistry, refers to the process of restoring a damaged tooth back to its normal function and shape. When a dentist performs a filling, they first remove the decayed tooth material, clean the affected area, and then fill the cleaned out cavity with a filling material.
Etymology
The term "filling" comes from the Old English word "fyllan", which means "to fill up, make full".
Types of Fillings
There are several types of fillings, including:
- Amalgam Fillings: These are made from a mixture of metals, including silver, mercury, tin, and copper. Amalgam fillings are durable and resistant to wear, making them suitable for use in the back teeth where the force of chewing is greatest.
- Composite Fillings: Also known as filled resins, these are made from a combination of glass or quartz filler and can be made to match the color of your teeth.
- Ceramic Fillings: These are made of porcelain and are a very aesthetically pleasing option that resists staining. Ceramic fillings are also very durable and long-lasting.
- Gold Fillings: These are made of gold and are very durable, but they are also the most expensive option.
Related Terms
- Cavity: A hole that can grow bigger and deeper over time. Cavities are also called dental caries, and if you have a cavity, it's important to get it repaired with a filling.
- Root Canal: This is a treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or becomes infected.
- Dental Crown: A tooth-shaped "cap" that is placed over a tooth to cover the tooth to restore its shape and size, strength, and improve its appearance.
- Dental Bridge: A bridge is made up of two or more crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap -- these two or more anchoring teeth are called abutment teeth -- and a false tooth/teeth in between.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Filling
- Wikipedia's article - Filling
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