TOOTH FILLING

Tooth filling, is a procedure in which the carious parts of the tooth are cleaned and then the tooth is renewed with a substance suitable for its structure and form. Before the application, the carious part is removed from the tooth , area is cleaned and the cavity is filled with an adequate filling material.

This method enables to provide normal function and appearance to a damaged tooth because of caries.

DETERMINATION OF THE FILLING ACCORDING TO THE TOOTH

Filling type may not be same for everybody. Determinant factors such as size of the caries, allergy state against filling material, filling site and cost  are important for accurate filling type.

The materials used for filling are : porcelain (inlay & onlay ), composite.

Currently, porcelain fillings are more preferred because of their color is the closest to the natural teeth and they provide durability.

Composite filling:

Composite filling is preferred when there is a structural problem, unwanted tooth colour or broken teeth. Since it is a tooth-coloured filling, it is widely used to solve front tooth problems. It offers a fairly natural and aesthetic look.

INLEY & ONLAY RESTORATIONS

This is the filling material, prepared for the teeth with much substance loss in the laboratory according to the measurements of the remaining tooth tissue. This method is developed in the protective dentistry to protect current tissues of the tooth.

Inlay And Onlay Dental Restorations ,Change your smile with an inlay / onlay restoration

An inlay or onlay is used, instead of a filling or crown, to replace a lost or missing part of a tooth. These aesthetical solutions are usually used when there is not enough dental material remaining, or for teeth that have been too damaged to warrant veneering.

What are the differences between inlays and onlays?

The difference between the two is in the area of the tooth they cover. An inlay is similar to a filling, but used between the tubercles on the chewing surface of teeth. An onlay is often used to cover one or more dental tubercles.

What material are they made of?

An inlay or onlay consists of a ceramic or fibre-reinforced composite. The appropriate material is selected based on the construction of the adjacent tooth, i.e. a natural composite or porcelain tooth.

Why are these an option?

They can be used for a root canal treated tooth or severely decayed teeth, where the decayed portion is cleared to reveal insufficient healthy tissue for a filling. In general, for root canal treated teeth or severely decayed teeth, the decayed portion is removed leaving a reduced amount of healthy tooth material to abut the adjacent tooth/teeth. If there is no contact point with the adjacent tooth, the food you consume is easily deposited in between, causing problems to the dental tissue and gums. The inlay or onlay is prepared on a mock-up, where the desired anatomic form and contact are achieved, before the final inlay or onlay is attached. The material is more resistant to wear and chewing pressure than conventional filling material.

What is the life of an inlay or onlay?

The life of an inlay or onlay depends on the material from which they are made, the condition of the original tooth treated with inlay or onlay, the chewing forces, oral hygiene of the patient, and regular visits to the dentist. An inlay or onlay usually functions healthily for decades.

What is the procedure?

On the first visit, the decayed portion of the tooth is removed, and the remaining healthy dental structure of the tooth will dictate to the dentist on whether to use an inlay or onlay. A dental impression is taken of the tooth and surrounding teeth. The tooth is then filled with a temporary filling material, while the dental impression is forwarded to the laboratory.

On the second visit the temporary filling is removed, and the inlay/onlay is fitted to and adjusted where necessary. The inlay/onlay will be returned to the laboratory for polishing. While this is happening, the remains of the original tooth are cleaned. The final inlay/onlay is cemented into position using a dental cement.

Inlays/onlays are prepared in our in-house dental laboratory, allowing for the procedure to be completed in just two visits to our clinic.

After fitting an Inlay/onlay

  • It is necessary for the dental cement to harden for two hours after fitting. The patient may drink within the first two hours, but should not eat anything until the two hours is up.
  • Daily aftercare
  • The recommended aftercare is the same as for original teeth: frequent brushing together with the use of dental floss, and with regular visits to the dentist.

What advantages do porcelain inlays and onlays have?

  • They look good aesthetically
  • Protects the remaining healthy dental tissue
  • Minimises the risk of further decay
  • The restored tooth is a precise match to the teeth on either side
  • Crocked and chipped teeth are restored.