Numerous factors impact the effectiveness, endurance, lifespan, and cost of dental restorations. These factors include:
- The materials employed in the filling substance.
- The quantity of remaining tooth structure.
- The location and technique used for filling placement.
- The chewing force the tooth will endure.
- The number of appointments required for preparation and adjustment.
Before initiating treatment, your dentist will discuss all available options and assist you in selecting the most suitable filling for your specific situation. It might be beneficial to understand the two fundamental types of dental fillings: direct and indirect.
Direct fillings are inserted into a prepared cavity in a single appointment and encompass materials such as silver amalgam, glass ionomers, resin ionomers, and composite (resin) fillings. The dentist readies the tooth, places the filling, and adjusts it during one visit.
Indirect fillings typically necessitate two or more visits and include inlays, onlays, and veneers made from materials like gold, base metal alloys, ceramics, or composites. They are used when a tooth has substantial damage, insufficient for a filling but not requiring a crown. During the initial visit, the dentist prepares the tooth and takes an impression of the affected area. A temporary covering is then placed over the prepared tooth. The impression is sent to a dental laboratory, where the dental restoration is crafted. In the subsequent appointment, the dentist cements the restoration into the prepared cavity and makes any necessary adjustments.
