Tooth Filling: Restore Decayed, Chipped, or Broken Teeth for a Healthy, Beautiful Smile

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Tooth decay, chipped, or broken teeth are not minor issues to overlook. They can affect your confidence, chewing efficiency, and may lead to more serious oral health problems. Tooth filling is a crucial solution that addresses these concerns, restoring the function, strength, and aesthetics of your teeth.

What is a Tooth Filling?

A tooth filling is a dental procedure that restores damaged tooth structure caused by cavities, fractures, or chipping using various types of dental filling materials. It prevents further decay, restores the shape and function of the tooth, and protects it from additional damage.

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Why is Tooth Filling Important?

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• Replaces lost tooth structure: Fills the void created by decay or damage

• Restores chewing function: Allows proper and comfortable chewing

• Enhances aesthetics: Especially beneficial for front teeth with chips or fractures

• Prevents progression: Seals off the cavity, preventing bacteria or food particles from entering and causing infections, abscesses, or root damage

 

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Types of Tooth Fillings

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1. Amalgam:

• Material: Made from mercury, silver, tin, or other metals, metallic in color

• Pros: Strong and durable, withstands chewing forces, lasts 10–15 years, ideal for back teeth

• Cons: Contains metal, requires more tooth reduction, avoid hard foods for 24 hours after filling

1. Composite Resin:

• Material: Tooth-colored resin material

• Pros: Aesthetic, blends with natural tooth color, ideal for front teeth, now strong enough for back teeth, requires less tooth removal, immediate chewing possible

• Cons: May stain over time due to food and drink

1. Glass Ionomer:

• Material: Releases fluoride which helps prevent decay

• Pros: Suitable for children and those with high cavity risk

 

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Other materials like gold or porcelain may be recommended depending on tooth condition and budget

Does Tooth Filling Hurt? How Long Does It Take?

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• Pain: You may feel slight sensitivity during drilling. For deep cavities, anesthesia is used to minimize discomfort. Small cavities may not require anesthesia.

• Time: Around 30 minutes per tooth depending on location and severity. Multiple teeth may require separate appointments.

 

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How Many Surfaces Can a Tooth Be Filled?

 

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Tooth Filling Procedure

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1.  Evaluation: Dentist examines the cavity and plans treatment

2. Drilling: Decayed or infected areas are removed; anesthesia used if necessary

3. Base layer: Added for deep cavities to reduce sensitivity (if needed)

4. Filling: Material is placed, shaped, and hardened (composite resin is cured with light)

Pros and Cons

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Pros:

• Prevents decay from spreading to the pulp

• Reduces tooth sensitivity

• Restores chewing ability

• Improves tooth appearance and confidence​

 

 

Cons:

• Fillings are not as durable as natural teeth

• Not suitable for extensive tooth loss

• Composite may stain from certain foods 

 

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Post-Filling Care

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• Maintain oral hygiene: Brush gently, use floss and fluoride mouthwash

• Avoid hard foods: Like ice, raw carrots, or nuts to prevent cracks or dislodgement

• Avoid very hot or cold foods temporarily

• Avoid chewing on amalgam-filled side for 24 hours

• Visit your dentist regularly (every 6 months)

 

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Common Post-Filling Symptoms

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• Sensitivity: Common and usually resolves within 1–2 weeks

• Pain: Painkillers may help. See a dentist if pain persists

 

When to See Your Dentist

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• Filling is cracked or falls out

• Prolonged sensitivity over 2–3 weeks

• Pain while chewing (could indicate high filling)

• Severe pain after filling (may indicate decay has reached the pulp)

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Dental Scaling

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What is Dental Scaling?

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Dental scaling is a professional cleaning procedure that removes hardened plaque (tartar) and bacteria from tooth surfaces and between teeth. This treatment is essential for maintaining oral health and preventing gum disease.

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What is Tartar?

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Tartar, or dental calculus, is hardened plaque that accumulates on teeth when plaque isn’t removed properly. It forms from bacteria, food particles, and minerals in saliva, and cannot be removed by brushing alone.

 

Why is Scaling Important?

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• Prevents gum inflammation: Reduces swelling, bleeding, and early-stage gum disease

• Stops progression to periodontitis: Helps protect bone and tissue supporting your teeth

• Prevents cavities: Removes bacteria and acids responsible for tooth decay

• Eliminates bad breath: Removes odor-causing plaque and tartar

• Restores appearance: Teeth look cleaner and brighter without yellow buildup

 

How is Scaling Done?

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Dentists use ultrasonic scalers or hand instruments to gently remove tartar:

• Ultrasonic scaler: Uses high-frequency vibrations and water to break up and wash away tartar

• Manual scaler: Used for detailed, thorough cleaning

 

How Often Should You Get Scaling?

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Most dentists recommend dental scaling every 6 months. However, the frequency may vary depending on your oral health condition.

 

Benefits of Regular Scaling

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• Clean and smooth teeth

• Healthy gums

• Fresher breath

• Reduced risk of decay and tooth loss

 

Tooth Extraction

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What is Tooth Extraction?

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Tooth extraction is a dental procedure that removes a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. It is typically a last resort when a tooth cannot be saved by fillings, crowns, or root canal treatment.

 

Why Might You Need a Tooth Extraction?

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• Severe decay: Tooth is too damaged to restore

• Advanced gum disease: Tooth becomes loose due to bone loss

• Broken or fractured teeth: Beyond repair from trauma

• Impacted wisdom teeth: Cause pain, swelling, or infection

• Overcrowding: To make space for orthodontic treatment

• Extra teeth: Interfere with normal tooth eruption

• Baby teeth: Do not fall out in time for permanent teeth

 

Steps of Tooth Extraction

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1. Evaluation and X-ray: Dentist assesses tooth condition and plans the extraction

2. Local Anesthesia: Numbs the area around the tooth

3. Tooth Removal: Dentist uses tools to loosen and remove the tooth

4. Surgical Extraction (if needed): For difficult teeth, like impacted wisdom teeth, requires incision and possibly bone removal

5. Cleaning and Stitches: The area is cleaned, and stitches are placed if necessary

6. Gauze Pressure: Helps stop bleeding and forms a clot

7. Aftercare Instructions: Dentist provides post-operative care guidance

 

Wisdom Tooth Surgery (Surgical Extraction)

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Difference Between Simple and Surgical Extraction

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• Simple extraction: Used when tooth is visible and easily accessible

• Surgical extraction: Required for impacted teeth under gums or bone

 

What is Wisdom Tooth Surgery?

 

Wisdom tooth surgery is a minor oral surgical procedure to remove impacted or problematic third molars (wisdom teeth).

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Why Remove Wisdom Teeth?

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• Pain, swelling, or infection

• Tooth decay in wisdom or nearby teeth

• Misalignment or crowding

• Cyst or tumor formation

• Preparation for orthodontics

 

Steps of Wisdom Tooth Removal

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1. Evaluation and X-ray

2. Local Anesthesia

3. Gum Incision

4. Bone removal or tooth sectioning (if needed)

5. Tooth removal

6. Cleaning and stitching

7. Gauze pressure and aftercare instructions

 

Airflow Cleaning

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What is Airflow?

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Airflow is an advanced dental cleaning method that combines air, water, and fine powder to effectively remove stains, plaque, and biofilm from teeth surfaces and hard-to-reach areas.

 

Benefits of Airflow

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• Removes stains: Tea, coffee, red wine, and tobacco

• Cleans biofilm: Reduces bacteria responsible for decay and gum disease

• Reaches tight areas: Ideal for braces, implants, and crowns

• Comfortable: Less sensitivity than traditional scaling

• Safe on enamel: Gentle powder with controlled pressure

• Fights bad breath: By removing odor-causing bacteria

• Ideal pre-whitening: Enhances whitening results

 

Who is Airflow Suitable For?

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• People with stains from food, drinks, or smoking

• Braces, implants, or crown wearers

• Patients with sensitive teeth

• Anyone seeking a thorough, refreshing dental clean