Tooth filling
Tooth filling at Tannlege in Oslo
A filling in a tooth is the most common treatment for a hole (caries) in a tooth. A filling prevents further damage because it protects the area where the bacteria had entered.
Placing a filling in a tooth with a hole in it is considered the simplest and best treatment. That is of course if it is possible to put a filling on the tooth. X-rays can be used to assess how deep the hole is in relation to the dental nerve.
What is a tooth filling?
A dental filling is a dental treatment used to repair teeth that have had holes or damage due to caries or damage. During the dental filling process, the dentist removes the damaged tissue and fills the cavity with a special filling material to restore the shape and function of the tooth. This not only helps prevent further damage, but also restores the health and aesthetics of your teeth, so you can smile with confidence.
What types of dental fillings are there?
There are several types of dental fillings that are used to repair damaged or decayed teeth. Some common types of dental fillings include composite fillings, porcelain fillings, and amalgam fillings.
Panoramic X-ray
A panoramic X-ray , also known as panoramic radiography, is a two-dimensional image of your entire mouth. It captures the upper jaw, lower jaw, teeth, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and surrounding structures. It gives a broad overview of your dental health and is useful for evaluating conditions such as impacted teeth, jaw bone abnormalities, cysts, tumors and general dental and bone health.
What is a caries?
Tooth decay is damage to the surface of a tooth. It happens when bacteria in your mouth make acids that then attack your tooth enamel. Tooth decay can lead to cavities with caries. If tooth decay is not treated, it can lead to pain, infection and eventually lead to the loss of your tooth.
The symptoms of caries
- A toothache
Sensitive tooth or teeth to hot or cold food and drink. - White or brown spots on the surface of a tooth
- A visible hole in the tooth
- An infection that can lead to the formation of pus called an abscess.
- The abscess can cause you to have pain, swelling of the face and fever.
Diagnosis
The dentist does an examination of all your teeth, then takes an X-ray or an opg image to look more closely at your caries. The dentist will then explain how big the hole is and how it should be treated.
Treatment of caries
Dental caries (tooth cavities) can be treated in different ways.
- Fluoride treatment. If you have early tooth decay, fluoride treatment can help the enamel to repair itself. The dentist then sets up a new appointment with a check-up.
- Fillings. Often a man needs a filling. The dentist will remove the damaged tooth tissue and then restore the tooth by filling it with a filling material.
- Root canal filling. If the damage to the tooth or it has led to an infection that spreads to the pulp, you may need a root canal. Read more here about root canals.
- Extraction. In the most serious cases, when the damage to the pulp cannot be repaired, the dentist will inform you that the tooth should be extracted. Your dentist will suggest that you get a dental bridge or an implant to replace the missing tooth.
How to avoid tooth decay
- Use toothpaste with fluoride.
- Brush your teeth 2 times a day
- Use dental floss
- Do not eat or drink foods with a lot of sugar
- Avoid tobacco, snuff and smoke.
- Order an examination and clean twice a year.
Broken Tooth
Tooth enamel is quite hard and it is difficult to break a tooth. But in some cases by eating something hard or by accident it can lead to damage to your tooth. In these cases, it is important that you contact the dentist as soon as possible.
Treatment of broken tooth
- Filling – The dentist repairs the tooth with bonding so that it looks and functions like a normal tooth.
- Dental crown – If a large part of a tooth has been destroyed, your dentist will take a digital impression of your tooth and make a dental crown for you within 1-2 weeks.
- Shell veneers - If you have broken a front tooth and it cannot be fixed with a filling, the dentist will inform you about shell veneers - Read more.
- In the event of an accident and you have lost one or more teeth. Your dentist can recommend dental implants , dental bridges or dentures .
Causes
- Stomach acid
- Acid from food and drink
- the salivary glands and produce less saliva
- Teeth grinding
The symptoms
The first sign of tooth erosion is the loss of the surface of the tooth, which leads to a smooth, shiny appearance. Tooth erosion makes the teeth more sensitive to hot, cold or sweet food and drink.
The treatment
- Use fluoride toothpaste, it helps to neutralize the plaque bacteria that produce acid to break down the enamel.
- Use fluoride mouthwash that protects your teeth and helps neutralize the plaque bacteria in your mouth that can weaken the enamel.
- Bonding with filling can be used for enamel erosion. The entire process takes an hour or less, and treatment usually only takes one appointment.
- A crown can be placed on a tooth in more severe cases of weak enamel. This procedure involves covering the tooth with a new crown that will protect the damaged areas. A dental crown can restore the function of a damaged tooth, allowing you to eat and drink without pain. It will also protect your tooth from future acid damage.
Construction of teeth
The most common filling material that we use when you want to build up teeth is composite filling. This is a material made of plastic and glass. The material bonds with tooth enamel and can be used to build up teeth.
Lost Filling
Dental fillings do not last a lifetime, and sometimes a filling can fall out. There are many reasons why a filling can become loose. Some of the most common reasons are due to:
- New filling that you have just received that does not fit well.
- Chewing too hard or you bite into hard or crunchy food
- rubbing (utilitarianism)
trauma to the tooth or root a chemical reaction that loosens the bonding of the filling to the tooth
If a filling falls out, the first thing you need to do is call the dentist to make an appointment. In the meantime, until you have an appointment with your dentist, it is important to protect the involved tooth.
Dental Health Tips:
- Brush your teeth properly: Brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day for at least two minutes each time. Use a fluoride toothpaste to strengthen tooth enamel.
- Clean between the teeth: Use dental floss or interdental brushes daily to remove plaque and food debris that the brush cannot reach.
- Visit the dentist regularly: Go to the dentist at least twice a year for routine check-ups and professional teeth cleaning.
- Eat a healthy diet: Reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks that can lead to tooth decay. Eat more fruits, vegetables and calcium-rich foods to maintain strong teeth.
- Avoid tobacco products: Smoking and sniffing can cause dental problems and gum disease. Try to stop or reduce the use of these products for better dental health.
- Protect your teeth during activities: Use a mouth guard during sports activities or when you perform activities with a risk of tooth damage.
- Care for dentures: If you have dentures, be sure to clean them regularly and store them safely to avoid damage and infection.
Follow these tips to maintain healthy oral health and a brilliant smile!
Dental filling treatment
(✔) Precise removal of caries and damaged tooth tissue
(✔) Quality filling to restore the shape and function of the tooth
(✔) Gentle process to ensure comfort and lasting results
