What is a 'Dental Filling' and why do I need it?
A tooth can decay due to several reasons, such as improper care and poor dental hygiene. Sometimes a cracked tooth, if not taken care of, can start to decay. When a tooth begins to decay it damages the surface of the tooth which can fracture it.
In order to prevent further damage and to avoid losing the tooth, it is important to visit your dentist for a 'dental filling'. A dental filling helps in strengthening the tooth and preventing further decay and infection.
Once a tooth is filled, the dental filling has a lifespan of 6 to 12 years, as long as you maintain proper oral hygiene and care. The lifespan of the filling will also depend on the type of filling material used by your dentist.
What are the different types of dental fillings?
The two main types of dental fillings are Composite Dental Fillings and Ceramic (CEREC ®) Dental Fillings.
Composite Dental Fillings
Your dentist will first examine your tooth and gums and advice you about available treatment options based on the extent of the damage. After mutually agreeing upon a treatment option, your dentist may first apply a local anaesthetic to the affected area around the tooth.
The next step is to prepare the tooth by removing the decayed surface of the tooth by using a hand-held instrument. The tooth is then cleaned in order to remove any debris or bacteria.
Your dentist will then select the appropriate dental filling material. After applying an adhesive and the filling material to the damaged tooth, the material is shaped to match the shape of the tooth to give it a natural look and feel.
Finally a hand-held light emitting device is focused on the filling material which helps in hardening the freshly filled material.
Ceramic (CEREC ®) Dental Fillings
CEREC ® is an advanced dental system that is used in dental restorations. Using CEREC ® your dentist can now fabricate a ceramic dental restoration in a single visit.
The in-house CAD/CAM facility allows us to mill dental crowns, veneers, in-lays and on-lays while you wait. The CAD/CAM and milling facility completely eliminates the need for messy impressions or laboratory work, which is typically required for dental restorations.
What is CEREC ® and how does it work?
CEREC ® is an in-house CAD/CAM technology. This system includes a digital infrared camera which is used to get an optical impression of your damaged tooth.
The 3D impression of the damaged tooth is then used in a CAD software, to design the restoration. Finally, a dental milling unit using CAM technology will mill the new restoration. All this can be done in 60 to 90 minutes during your visit.
Once the milling of the restoration is completed, your dentist will fix it in place and cement it. The final result is a restoration that is fast, clean and permanent.