Dental Fillings / Dental Restoration

What are Dental Fillings?

A dental filling is used to restore a tooth or several teeth that have been damaged by decay, back to its normal function and shape. When the dentist at the Montreal International Clinics in Dubai administers a dental filling to the patient, they would initially remove the decayed tooth material, clean the affected area using specialized tools and then fill the cleaned out cavity with a filling material that best suits the patient.
By sealing spaces in the tooth where bacteria can enter, a filling also helps prevent further decay and damage to the tooth. The most frequently used materials for dental  fillings include gold, porcelain, tooth-colored fillings, and an amalgam.

What is the best dental filling?

Each filling has its unique qualities and there is no one type of dental filling that is best for everyone. The best type of filling will be determined by the extent of the repair, whether the patient has allergies to certain dental materials, which part of the mouth the dental filling is required and the patient’s budget.
The types of dental fillings that are available are as follows,

• Gold fillings  – These fillings are custom made in a laboratory and then cemented into place at the site of the cavity. Gold inlays are well tolerated by gum tissues, and may last more than 20 years. For these reasons, most patients do opt for gold material, but it is also very expensive and require multiple visits.
• Amalgam or silver fillings – These dental fillings are resistant to wear and are relatively cheap. However, most patient’s refrain from opting for this filling as the dark color of the filling is much more noticeable than porcelain or composite restorations.
• Tooth colored fillings – These fillings, are the most preferred choice by many patients. The dental filling is mixed and placed directly into the cavity, where they harden. Unfortunately, this type of filling is not the best choice for large cavities as they may chip or wear over time. They can also become stained from coffee, tea or tobacco, and may not last as long as other types of fillings.
• Porcelain fillings – These are often referred to as inlays or onlays and are custom made in a dental lab and then bonded to the patient’s tooth. They can be matched to the color of the tooth and resist staining. A porcelain restoration generally covers most of the tooth, but is relatively expensive.

When dental decay or a fracture has damaged a large portion of the tooth, a dental crown, or may be recommended. Decay that has reached the nerve may be treated through root canal therapy.

Who is a good candidate for a dental filling?

On your routine dental check up at the Montreal International Clinics, our dentist will examine your teeth and assess whether you have a cavity that needs to be filled. Anything that looks abnormal will then be closely checked with special, state of the art dental instruments or a dental X-ray. Thereafter, the  type of treatment the dentist chooses will depend on the extent of damage to the tooth caused by decay.