Fillings
This is the common treatment advised by the dentist in case of dental cavities. This generally raises a question whether all cavities require fillings and also whether all the cavities can be cured with a filling. The answer for both the questions is no. In some cases, the carious process once started stops by itself leaving only a discolored tooth. Such a process is referred to as arrested caries and do not require a filling. In all other cases where there is a clear indication of an ongoing carious process, the dentist advises a filling. In severe cases where the pulp is infected, root canal therapy is the ultimate solution.
Fillings may either be a temporary one or a permanent one. Temporary fillings are generally advised as an interim filling before the permanent filling is completed. These are also advised when a tooth is kept under observation for root canal therapy.
Generally there are two types of permanent filling material used: silver amalgam and composite resins. Silver amalgam in simple terms is a mixture of silver, copper and tin which is mixed with small amount of mercury while composite resins as the name suggests is a mix of different types of resins that set when light of a specific intensity is passed through them. Another variety of filling material is known as glass ionomer cement, which also has anticariogenic properties. All fillings generally have a lifetime of about 5–8 years. 1
Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last updated: December 12,2008