Caries Treatment with Dental Filling
Caries is the most common oral disease in our society and one of the most common causes of tooth loss if not treated in time. Today, conservative dentistry has simple, minimally intrusive and highly effective techniques such as dental filling, which is one of the main procedures performed by dentists to preserve the tooth and ensure that the decay has been completely removed. This allows the tooth to remain in place, thus preserving its functions and avoiding the need for more complex recovery techniques such as dental implants.
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What is a dental filling?
A dental filling or obturation is a dental technique that has two main objectives: first, to eliminate caries from the affected tooth; second, to preserve the tooth to prevent its extraction. This is one of the most frequently performed dental procedures at the dentist, and it is still one of the most effective techniques to solve one of the most common problems caused by caries, which is the destruction of tooth tissue.
Phases in treatment by dental filling
The filling technique, i.e., the performance of a dental filling, is a simple and painless intervention that is carried out in a single session after having identified the problem and having recommended the performance of the dental filling as the best preventive treatment. On the day of the intervention, the specialist will carry out the following steps.
Since a dental filling is a minimally invasive tooth preservation procedure, it is generally a minimally invasive procedure, generally, if the tooth has only been superficially damaged or the damage is minimal, the specialist can carry out the filling without the need for anaesthesia, as it will not cause any pain to the patient.
If the corruption of the tooth is more extensive and the caries affects the dentine, i.e. the patient has started to have symptoms such as increased sensitivity and pain when chewing, the dentist may recommend the application of local anaesthesia (or even conscious sedation techniques) so that the patient does not feel any discomfort during the intervention.
In this phase, the dentist removes the carious tissue from the tooth with tools specifically designed for this purpose. He or she will then proceed with the cleaning of the tooth to ensure that no trace of the disease or decay-causing bacteria is left behind. This will, of course, leave a cavity in the tooth that needs to be filled with a specific material.
To fill the cavity, the cavity is filled, The first step is etching, applying a gel to prepare the area for the enamel. Next, an adhesive is applied so that the filling material is well fixed to the cavity. But what filling materials are used for the placement of a dental filling?
- Silver amalgam: The main advantage of what is known as a metal dental filling is its durability. When you think of a dental filling, you may visualise a silver area filling a tooth and this is due to this type of silver amalgam whose advantage is its high strength and durability. However, because it contrasts so much with the light colour of the tooth and is unsightly, this material has fallen into disuse.
- Composite filling: the material that we generally use as a filling, as it can mimic the colour of the tooth, is resistant and is much more aesthetic and unnoticeable. The composite material must be placed in layers so that it becomes compacted and, in order for it to harden, a light is applied. As a result of this process a solid surface is achieved where bacteria will not enter.
When the filling material has hardened on the tooth, a bite test is carried out on a piece of paper and the filling is polished to make it perfectly smooth and tight. The aim of this step is to ensure that the dental filling is both functional and aesthetically pleasing and perfectly integrated.
Dental filling maintenance
Although the placement of a dental filling is a relatively simple process, it is important to follow a series of care and precautions. It is essential to bear in mind that although caries can be treated with this procedure, it is necessary to carry out good oral hygiene at home, as well as to attend regular check-ups to prevent the problem from recurring.
One of the objectives of conservative dentistry is to maintain and conserve the different dental tissues in good condition so that the teeth continue to fulfil their functions. This is why it is vital to maintain good oral health habits, as prevention is the only guarantee of success in the treatments carried out by dentists.
Our specialists in the placement of dental fillings.
Dr. Emilio Martínez-Almoyna Rullán
Doctor of Stomatology, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Bachelor's degree in Medicine. Specialist in Stomatology and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Son Dureta. Doctorate in Cryosurgery of the Oral Cavity.
Dra. Cristina Martínez-Almoyna Rifá
Certified specialist in Invisalign and straight arch.
Bachelor's degree in Dentistry, Master's degree in Orthodontics and postgraduate degree in Paediatric Dentistry. Certified specialist in Invisalign and straight arch.
Dra. Patricia Jorro
Specialist in Cosmetic Dentistry and Teeth Whitening.
Bachelor's degree in Dentistry. Specialist in Cosmetic Dentistry and Teeth Whitening. Member of the American Dental Association with extensive experience.
Dr. Jose Antonio Gramallés
Postgraduate degree in Dental Prosthetics.
Bachelor's degree in Dentistry and Special Award in Conservative Dentistry. Postgraduate degree in Dental Aesthetics and Dental Prosthetics with extensive experience.
Dra. Maria Morro
Specialist in dental prosthetics.
Bachelor's degree in Dentistry and Master's degree in Paediatric Dentistry and Dentofacial Orthopaedics. Specialist in Cosmetic Dentistry and Dental Prosthetics.
Dr. Alfonso Bonnín
Surgery, periodontics, and implant rehabilitation.
Bachelor's degree in Dentistry, advanced degree in dental prosthetics, currently pursuing a master's degree in surgery, periodontics, and implant rehabilitation.
Dra. Cristina Mateu
Specialist in Conservative Dentistry
Bachelor's degree in Dentistry from ADEMA University. Specialist in Conservative Dentistry and University Expert in Endodontics with extensive experience.