Dental restoration

A dental restoration or dental filling is a dental restorative material used to restore the function, integrity and morphology of missing tooth structure. The structural loss typically results from caries or external trauma. It is also lost intentionally during tooth preparation to improve the aesthetics or the physical integrity of the intended restorative material. Dental restoration also refers to the replacement of missing tooth structure that is supported by dental implants.

Dental restorations can be divided into two broad types: direct restorations and indirect restorations. All dental restorations can be further classified by their location and size. A root canal filling is a restorative technique used to fill the space where the dental pulp normally resides.

The process of preparation usually involves cutting the tooth with special dental burrs, to make space for the planned restorative materials, and to remove anydental decay or portions of the tooth that are structurally unsound. If permanent restoration can not be carried out immediately after tooth preparation, temporary restoration may be performed.

The prepared tooth, ready for placement of restorative materials, is generally called a tooth preparation. Materials used may be gold, amalgam, dental composites, resin-reinforced glass ionomers, porcelain or any number of other materials.

Direct restorations

This technique involves placing a soft or malleable filling into the prepared tooth and building up the tooth before the material sets hard. The advantage of direct restorations is that they usually set quickly and can be placed in a single procedure. Since the material is required to set while in contact with the tooth, limited energy can be passed to the tooth from the setting process without damaging it. Where strength is required, especially as the fillings become larger, indirect restorations may be the best choice.

Indirect restorations

This technique of fabricating the restoration outside of the mouth using the dental impressions of the prepared tooth. Common indirect restorations include inlays and onlays, crowns, bridges, andveneers. Usually a dental technician fabricates the indirect restoration from records the dentist has provided of the prepared tooth. The finished restoration is usually bonded permanently with a dental cement. It is often done in two separate visits to the dentist. Common indirect restorations are done using gold or ceramics.

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Allergy to Amalgam

Amalgam dental fillings are the most frequently used type of fillings in most dental patients, since they have been around longer than the new versions of fillings available today. Amalgam fillings, also known as silver fillings are made up of mercury and metal. Although mercury is known to be highly toxic, The American Dental Association has assured people that it is completely safe for use in the dental office and for use in fillings. Silver fillings are widely used in the practice of filling cavities, but some people, about one to two percent, will experience an allergic reaction to amalgam.

Amalgam fillings are still in practice today and are one of the more chosen versions of fillings, even over their more natural looking counterpart. Amalgams, although silver and unnatural looking when placed in the tooth are chosen over the natural, tooth colored fillings for a few reasons.

Amalgams are less expensive than other choices of fillings. They are strong and able to withstand every day use. Silver fillings will last much longer than other fillings offered

Along with the advantages of amalgam fillings come a few disadvantages:

• Doesn't match natural tooth color

• Pieces of healthy tooth sometimes needs to be removed in order to fit the silver filling

• Amalgam's are known to crack

• They can discolor teeth by adding a grayish tint

Some have an allergic reaction to amalgam; or more accurately an allergic reaction to the mercury in the amalgam

Allergic Reactions

It is estimated that an allergic reaction takes place once for every million fillings done. Even though the reported percentage of allergic reactions to amalgam is low, there are some that have and will experience a reaction. A persons reaction type can range from mild to severe. Although both types of reactions are extremely rare, a severe reaction is much more serious.

In a mild reaction, a person may experience the development of a sore inside of the mouth. This sore will be in an area that is in contact with the newly received amalgam filling. This will most likely be an area such as the cheek, tongue, or gums. The sore can range in size and severity. This happens because the person is allergic to the mercury in the filling they have received. A more serious reaction to the filling can cause parts of the mouth to swell on the inside, such as the tongue, cheeks, or even throat. In more serious cases of an allergic reaction or if you feel that the filling is bothersome, you can talk with your dentist about having the amalgam filling removed and replaced with another type of filling.

If you are in need of a filling, make an appointment for a consult with your dentist before having your tooth filled. Make a list with all of your questions and concerns about the filling you are choosing, and ask questions about the other fillings available as well. This will insure you are being fit with the best filling for your needs.

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