Dental fillings, also known as dental restoration are a dental restorative material used to restore the function, integrity and morphology of a missing tooth structure. A dental filling also refers to the replacement of missing tooth structure that is supported by dental implants.

Fillings are a common dental procedure and my help to restore health and shape of a tooth that has been damaged by a cavity or decay. To prepare a tooth for filling a dentist disposes off the damaged area of the tooth, cleans round it, then fills the tooth with a compound that conforms to the form and the shape of the rest of the tooth. Dental filling are used to restore worn or damaged teeth and treat tooth decay. Dental amalgam (metal alloy) is strong and relatively cheap material which is commonly used for tooth refilling, especially the molars. To avoid having to deal with refilling the teeth, it is advisable to clean the teeth thoroughly and eat healthy in order to eliminate tooth decay. In addition to this, regular visits to the dentist ensure the identification and treatment of any dental disorders before they become unbearable.

Dental fillings are used to restore teeth and treat tooth decay, especially in the molars. Teeth perform the function of chewing food all the time, so wear and tear cannot be avoided. An oral health specialist uses a drill and other instruments to remove the decay. The hole is cleaned and dried and then sealed with a filling material. Types of filling material include: dental amalgam and tooth colored fillings. Other alternatives of tooth restoration include gold or ceramic crowns which are expensive compared to amalgam and tooth- colored filling materials.

There are several options for restoring a tooth but fillings remain the most convenient, complete and cost effective. Indirect methods which do not involve the same intrusive process s fillings can be useful for some patients with truly extensive teeth decays.

Today, quite a number of dental filling materials are available. Teeth can be filled with gold; porcelain; silver amalgam (consisting of mercury mixed with silver, tin, zinc and copper). Also, tooth colored. Plastic and glass materials called composite resin fillings. The type of filling material is simply determined by the location and extent of the decay, cost of filling material, patients’ insurance coverage and the dentist’s recommendation.

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