FILLING:
Dental fillings are a standard treatment for repairing teeth damaged by decay or trauma. During a filling procedure, the dentist removes the decayed portion of the tooth, cleans the affected area, and then fills the cavity with a suitable filling material to restore the tooth’s shape, strength, and function.
Types of Fillings:
- Composite Fillings: Made of a mixture of plastic resin and fine glass particles, composite fillings are tooth-colored and can be closely matched to the color of natural teeth. Composite fillings bond directly to the tooth and require less removal of healthy tooth structure compared to amalgam.
- Amalgam Fillings: These are silver-colored fillings made from a combination of metals, including mercury, silver, tin, and copper. Amalgam fillings were very common in the past but are now being phased out in favor of composites due to their more conservative nature and better esthetic results.
- Ceramic Fillings: Also known as inlays or onlays, ceramic fillings are made of porcelain or a composite material. They are tooth-colored and provide excellent aesthetics. Ceramic fillings are often used for larger restorations or in cases where strength and durability are important.
Procedure:
- Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is administered to numb the affected tooth and surrounding area to ensure patient comfort during the procedure.
- Decay Removal: The dentist uses a dental drill or laser to remove the decayed portion of the tooth, creating a clean cavity.
- Filling Placement: The chosen filling material is placed into the cavity and shaped to match the natural contours of the tooth.
- Curing: If a composite filling is used, a special light hardens the material and bonds it securely to the tooth.
- Polishing: The filling is polished to smooth rough edges and ensure a comfortable bite.
Benefits:
- Restores tooth structure and function
- Prevents further decay and damage
- Blends seamlessly with natural teeth
- Supports overall oral health and hygiene
Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene practices can help prevent the need for fillings by addressing dental issues early on.
By incorporating regular dental check-ups and maintaining diligent oral hygiene practices, individuals can significantly reduce the likelihood of requiring dental fillings. Early detection and treatment of dental issues play a crucial role in preserving the natural structure of the teeth and preventing the progression of decay.
By incorporating regular dental check-ups and maintaining diligent oral hygiene practices, individuals can significantly reduce the likelihood of requiring dental fillings. Early detection and treatment of dental issues play a crucial role in preserving the natural structure of the teeth and preventing the progression of decay.
EXTRACTION:
Tooth extraction removes a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. While preserving natural teeth is always preferred, there are situations where extraction becomes necessary due to irreparable damage, severe decay, infection, overcrowding, or orthodontic treatment.
Causes
- Severe Decay: When tooth decay progresses to an advanced stage and compromises the tooth’s structural integrity, extraction may be necessary to prevent the spread of infection to neighboring teeth and gums.
- Advanced Gum Disease: Periodontal disease can lead to irreversible damage to the supporting tissues and bone surrounding the teeth. Extraction may be required in severe cases to eliminate infection and restore oral health.
- Trauma or Injury: Teeth that have been severely fractured or damaged due to trauma or injury may not be salvageable with restorative treatments. In such cases, extraction may be the best action to prevent further pain and complications.
- Orthodontic Treatment: In severe crowding or misalignment, one or more teeth may need to be extracted to create space for orthodontic treatment and achieve proper tooth and bite alignment.
- Impacted Wisdom Teeth: Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, may become impacted (unable to emerge fully) or cause issues with neighboring teeth, requiring extraction.
Procedure:
- Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is administered to numb the affected tooth and surrounding area. Sometimes, sedation may also help patients relax during the procedure.
- Extraction: The dentist removes the tooth from its socket and the jawbone using specialized instruments.
- Closure: In some cases, stitches may be placed to close the extraction site and promote healing.
- Recovery: Patients are provided with aftercare instructions to follow at home, including pain management techniques and guidelines for oral hygiene.
Benefits:
- Relieves pain and discomfort associated with damaged or infected teeth
- Prevents the spread of infection to neighboring teeth and gums
- Creates space for orthodontic treatment or denture placement
- Restores oral health and function in preparation for further dental restoration if needed.
While tooth extraction is typically considered a last resort, it can sometimes be necessary to preserve oral health and prevent further complications. Your dentist will carefully evaluate your situation and recommend the most appropriate treatment. After extraction, various replacement options, such as dental implants, bridges, or dentures, restore the function and appearance of the missing tooth or teeth.
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