Tooth fillings for cases of fractured teeth due to trauma, gaps between teeth, etc., are a suitable choice to restore aesthetics. In the case of deep fillings, sealing the space from bacterial invasion helps prevent the development of tooth decay. So, how long does it take to fill one tooth? How much does tooth filling cost? Which dental clinic in US provides quality filling services? Here is detailed information.
What is Tooth Filling?
A tooth filling is a dental technique using specialized materials to reconstruct damaged teeth, restoring their original shape. Typically, materials used include Composite, Amalgam, gold, silver, copper, etc. Among them, Composite material has properties similar to natural tooth structure, making it more commonly used.
With the filling procedure, the dentist cleans the damaged tooth area, adds material to the filling site, seals it tightly, uses a curing light to harden the filling, and shapes the filled area to look natural and aesthetically pleasing, like the original tooth.
As a result, tooth filling is considered effective in restoring the original shape of the tooth, ensuring proper chewing function, and reducing the damaged tooth area. This method is suitable for all age groups, especially for young children who are not patient during dental examinations and busy individuals.
Cases Requiring Tooth Filling
In dentistry, filling is a simple yet not universally applicable technique. Whether a tooth can be filled depends on the specific oral condition of each person. Based on the treatment purpose, filling is divided into two types: conventional filling to support disease treatment and aesthetic filling. Below are cases where tooth filling is commonly recommended:
Conventional Filling to Support Treatment:
Cavities:
Teeth with various-sized cavities, depending on the extent. After cleaning and disinfecting the cavity, the dentist fills it to prevent further spread and contamination.
Tooth Wear at the Neck:
The appearance of notches at the neck of the tooth near the gum line. For shallow notches, the dentist uses composite material to fill the worn area.
Treatment of Tooth Pulp Inflammation:
Inflamed tooth pulp causing pain. After cleaning and disinfecting the pulp chamber, the dentist seals the hole to preserve the living tooth tissue.
Aesthetic Tooth Filling:
Diastema (Gap Between Teeth):
Cases of gaps between upper and lower incisor teeth can be filled to close the gap. However, filling is only applicable for small gaps, specifically not exceeding 2mm.
Fractured Teeth due to Trauma:
In the case of broken or cracked teeth below ⅓ of the tooth structure, aesthetic tooth filling can be performed to restore the shape and enhance aesthetics.
In summary, tooth filling is a versatile dental procedure suitable for various situations, from addressing dental health issues to enhancing the aesthetics of the smile.
How long does it take?
A tooth filling is a simple technique that does not affect the real tooth structure, so it is not painful. On average, the dental filling process takes about 15 – 30 minutes and requires only one appointment.