Dr Agarwal's Clinic – Dental & Skin Experts
Skin, Hair, Laser, Cosmetic Dermatology & Dental Clinic in Siliguri

What are Dental fillings?

Dental fillings are materials used to restore / repair a missing teeth structure which has been decayed due to caries, cracked / broken due to trauma or worn down due to nail-biting or tooth grinding.

Why do we do it?

A missing tooth structure might interfere in the normal functioning of the oral cavity.
A patient might face difficulty in chewing due to pain or discomfort due to food lodgement.
Restoration by filling thus helps to improve the function and integrity of the
missing tooth structure and in turn the oral cavity. Also, sealing the space prevents further decay of teeth by
blocking the entry of bacteria.

What are the different types of fillings?

There are a number of restorative materials which can be used to fill a teeth like:

1. Gold fillings
2. Silver Amalgam fillings
3. Tooth-colored fillings (Composite plastic resin fillings)
4. Porcelain fillings

Will there be any problem due to dental fillings?

Sensitivity – There may be temporary sensitivity of teeth to food, air, pressure or temperature post dental fillings procedure.
The sensitivity usually resolves within a few weeks. During this time it is better to avoid the things that cause sensitivity.
Desensitizing toothpaste may be prescribed by the dentist during such time.
If the problem still persists for more than a month, the dentist might consider opting for
root canal treatment.

Pain – Pain during biting can occur if the filling interferes during bite.
In that case, a revisit to the dentist is necessary to get the filling reshaped.
But if there is severe toothache it indicates decay that is deep or close to the pulp of the tooth.
A root canal treatment will have to be done in that case.

FAQs on dental fillings