What are dental fillings and how are they placed?

What are dental fillings?

A dental filling is a treatment in which specialized materials are used with the purpose of restoring damaged teeth due to cavities or injuries. The procedure covers any tooth defects, preventing infections in both the gums and the tooth. It is also known as dental restoration. 

How do I know if I need a dental filling?

There are several symptoms and signs to look out for, the following may indicate a need for specialized treatment:

Signs that indicate a need for dental fillings

• The floss gets stuck or breaks in the same place repeatedly.
• Sensation of a hole in a tooth.
• Food always gets stuck between the same teeth.
• Bad breath caused by food debris between the teeth.
• A tooth has been fractured or a filling has been lost.
• Having a broken or chipped tooth.

Symptoms of damage requiring a dental filling

• Feeling pain when chewing or biting.
• Feeling stabbing or sharp pain.
• Sensitivity to cold, heat, or pressure.

Types of dental restorations

There are two dental filling procedures used to restore teeth:

Direct dental restoration

This process consists of the restitution of the tooth through the direct application of moldable materials such as:

• Resin ionomers.
• Glass ionomers.
• Resin compounds.
• Dental amalgam.

This procedure can be performed in one consultation, due to the speed of the procedure. Direct dental restoration is ideal for minor repairs, as it provides the possibility of adjusting the restoration on the spot.

Indirect dental restoration

It consists of the creation and placement of a customized tooth to repair damaged teeth. This is done in two phases: first, an impression of the affected tooth is taken, and a restoration is manufactured in a laboratory; Then, it is placed on the tooth. These are the treatments that can be used, depending on the dental damage:

• Crowns
• Onlays
• Inlays
• Bridges 
• Porcelain and resin veneers

This procedure requires more resistant and strong materials such as:

• Ceramics.
• Porcelain fused to metal.
• Resin composite.
• Gold

This process requires several visits to the dentist, since the crowns are manufactured in a laboratory. Indirect dental restorations are ideal for improving your dental aesthetics. 

Icon Dental: Leader in Dental Filling Application

At Icon Dental we have software that facilitates the analysis, design and manufacture of computerbased dental fillings. This guarantees that it is well done from the beginning, saving you money and time on your visit to the dentist.

If you're under the care of Icon Dental’s dentists, you can be sure of the results you will get. Our specialized staff will place the dental restorations you need with professionalism and care, along with warm, attentive and honest treatment. Enjoy the benefits of having healthy teeth.

Get a more beautiful and pleasant smile with Icon Dental

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