General dentistry
Obturation of a tooth
Operative (or restorative) dentistry is an intervention that consists of repairing a tooth damaged by tooth decay or by trauma. During the dental examination, your dentist will not only screen for cavities but also check the condition of your existing fillings. If your dentist notices that your fillings are worn or fractured, your dentist may suggest that you replace them.
What is a filling?
Usually done in one appointment, a filling is a way to restore or repair a decayed or damaged tooth by restoring its function and a normal shape.
At Anjou Center Dentaire d'Urgence , we use various types of materials to restore a tooth: composite, amalgam and ceramic . They each have their advantages and disadvantages. Talk to your dentist to make an informed choice, depending on your oral condition
Composite restoration
The composite, commonly referred to as “white filling”, is a resin in the form of a paste containing particles of quartz, silica and zirconium. This product is polymerizable, that is to say, it hardens in the light. It is very aesthetic since a multitude of shades are available in order to imitate the color of the natural tooth. This type of restoration is used on the anterior and posterior teeth.
The stages of a composite filling
- After the application of local anesthesia, the dental surgeon proceeds to cut the tooth by removing with his instruments, the decayed part and / or the defective restoration.
- Then, he cleans the created cavity and prepares the tooth for the insertion of the obturator material. A mild chemical solution which will make the surface more porous will be applied in order to facilitate the adhesion of the composite. The dentist may need a matrix in order to properly reconstruct the damaged tooth and to prevent the product from spilling onto the other teeth.
- Once the tooth is prepared, the composite will be inserted in layers. At this stage, the material is malleable which facilitates the reconstitution of the tooth.
- Once the tooth has been reconstructed, the dentist will polymerize the product (hardening of the composite with blue light)
- Finally, the dentist will adjust the bite and finish by polishing the filling for a nice finish.
Amalgam restoration
Amalgam is a material that has been used in operative dentistry for over 150 years! It is silvery in color and contains an alloy of mercury, silver, copper and tin. Like the composite, it is used to repair a tooth damaged by decay, a crack or a fracture. It is very durable and can last for several years. We use this product infrequently mainly because it is unsightly. It is used more on the posterior teeth.
The stages of an amalgam filling
- Under local anesthesia, your dentist will remove the decay, if necessary.
- The cavity will then be carefully cleaned and prepared before receiving the new filling.
- If the decay is near the dental nerve, special medication will be applied for additional protection.
- The silver filling will then be inserted, modeled, and then polished to restore the shape and function of your tooth.
Mercury
The presence of mercury in the amalgam raises some concerns among a part of the population because of its toxicity. In fact, tiny amounts of mercury vapor are released from the amalgam filling, especially during chewing. The Canadian Dental Association maintains that scientific studies have not confirmed that dental amalgam causes particular problems and that there is no serious risk in using it. These scientific data are based on the observation of more than 150 years of use of dental amalgam in the population. For more information, we invite you to visit the Canadian Dental Association website : www.cda-adc.ca
Ceramic inlay
After trimming the tooth, the remaining walls can be very thin and can compromise the structural integrity of the tooth. It is then contraindicated to use amalgam or composite, because the tooth would become too fragile. A ceramic inlay restoration is preferable in this case to possibly prevent damage to the tooth.
For more information on ceramic inlay , please see our EXPERTISE section.
Precautions
After a dental filling
It is normal to experience hot and cold sensitivity after an amalgam, composite or ceramic filling treatment, but this will subside shortly after your tooth has adjusted to the new restoration. You will receive instructions following your treatment. Moreover, it is possible to see your dentist for additional adjustments.
Precautions
Durability
Dental restorations are generally very strong and will be in place for many years. However, they are not permanent and will eventually need to be replaced. Good oral hygiene care combined with good eating habits and regular visits to your dentist will help preserve your new restorations, thus providing you with a beautiful, long-lasting smile.