ORTHODONTIC DENTISTRY
All the dental fillings come under conservative dentistry branch. It deals with maximum preservation of tooth structure after removal of decay. Decay starts with a small ditch created in an outer surface of tooth by bacterial attack, then it spreads by undermining the inner structure of tooth without showing much damage exteriorly. Early stage of decay is not known for pain hence patient is usually unaware of the tooth damage. This is the right time to save a tooth by suitable dental filling to avoid further tooth damage and subsequent extensive dental procedures.
MEDICINAL OR FLUORIDE RELEASING FILLING
These are the improved biomaterials which are compatible with the tooth biology. Glass ionomer fillings are the best medicinal fillings in modern dentistry. They bond extremely well with the tooth structure to form an integral part of tooth. Therapeutic value of glass ionomer filling is because of fluoride release over a time which is a potential antidecay agent.
SILVER AMALGAM FILLING
Silver amalgam filling is still a most durable and conventional filling done in dental office. It is a mixture of silver, copper, tin, zinc and mercury used together to provide a strong, hard durable filling. Disadvantage of silver filling is it doesn’t bond well with tooth structure hence demand more removal of tooth structure to form a good bulk of filling. Discolouration of tooth, corrosion of metals, micro leakage around filling and unaesthetic appearance have reduced the use of silver amalgam filling in modern dentistry. However, it is still the material of choice used in treatment of certain dental cavities.
TOOTH COLOURED FILLINGS OR COMPOSITES
Human tooth is one of the structure in body which can not be grown once decayed or damaged, decayed or cracked tooth gives unpleasant feeling to the person whenever he/she smiles or speaks. Modern cosmetic dentistry allows restructuring of such tooth with the help of tooth colored resin fillings commonly known as “COMPOSITE RESINS”.
Nano composite resins are the top quality resin material in composite resin family. They are superior aesthetic fillings mechanically bonded to the sound tooth structure. Composite resins are provided with multiple shades to match the natural color of tooth. Unlike conventional fillings, patient can eat immediately after the procedure no need to wait for the material to harden.
Indications of tooth colored filling-
- Replacement of decayed part of tooth.
- To close the spacing in front teeth.
- To restore the dimension of chipped, cracked, worn out teeth.
- Patient’s demand to replace old amalgam filling.
INLAYS AND ONLAYS
Dental inlays and onlays are midway treatment solutions between a dental filling and dental crown (tooth cap). They are used when old filling need to be removed or replaced OR when the tooth doesn’t have enough tooth structure available to support a filling. Dental Inlays and onlays are made up of precious metal (Gold), high grade porcelain or composite resins. Dental inlay is similar to a filling and fits inside the cusp tips (Top edges) of the tooth. A dental onlay is more extensive and extends over cusps of the treated tooth. Placement of an inlay or onlay in oral cavity require 2-3 sittings. They are indirectly fabricated in dental laboratory before being fitted or bonded to the damaged tooth. Inlays and onlays can considerably increase the strength of the tooth.