Tooth filling / caries treatment
- Complexity of the case
- Materials used
- Specialist qualifications
Regular check-ups and early visits to a doctor will help avoid serious problems and reduce treatment costs.
- Schedule an appointment with your dentist: Make sure you have an appointment for diagnosis and treatment. Arrive on time to avoid unnecessary stress.
- Inform your dentist about your health: Tell your dentist about any chronic diseases, allergies, and medications you are taking. This will help avoid possible complications and choose the right treatment approach.
- Avoid food before the procedure: It is recommended to not eat for 1-2 hours before the appointment, especially if local anesthesia will be used. This will help to avoid discomfort during the procedure.
- Prepare for the procedure: Try to relax and not worry. Reading or listening to music before the appointment can help calm you down.
- Prepare for recovery: Ask your dentist about possible recommendations after the procedure so you are prepared for recovery. Schedule follow-up visits with your dentist to monitor the condition of your tooth.
If you do not install a filling in time, caries will progress, penetrating deeper into the dental tissue. This can lead to the destruction of not only the enamel, but also the dentin tissue, which will make the treatment more difficult and expensive.
Ultimately, this can lead to the need for more serious procedures, such as root canal treatment or even tooth extraction.
Progression of caries can cause inflammation and infection in the soft tissues surrounding the tooth. This can lead to abscesses and pain that require immediate intervention. In such cases, treatment may take longer and require antibiotics.
If decay is not treated promptly, the tooth may become so damaged that it cannot be restored. In this case, the dentist may recommend tooth extraction, which will lead to the need for further procedures, such as an implant or bridge. Tooth extraction can also negatively affect the health of adjacent teeth and the entire dentition.
A filling is a material used to close a carious defect in a tooth after the damaged tissue has been removed. It is necessary to restore the integrity of the tooth and prevent further spread of caries. Filling helps to preserve the tooth, improve its functionality and aesthetic appearance.
The process of treating caries begins with an examination and diagnosis of the tooth. The dentist then removes carious tissue using a drill or other instruments. After this, the cavity of the tooth is cleaned and processed. At the final stage, a filling is installed, which can be made of various materials, such as composite, amalgam or ceramics. The procedure usually takes 30 to 60 minutes and is performed under local anesthesia.
The lifespan of a filling depends on the material used and the conditions of use. For example, composite fillings can last from 5 to 10 years, while amalgam fillings can last up to 15 years. It is also important to consider oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist, which can extend the lifespan of a filling.
After installing a filling, some complications may arise, such as:
- Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold, which usually goes away after a few days.
- Incorrect installation of the filling, which can lead to discomfort when chewing.
- Risk of recurrence of caries if hygiene rules are not followed. It is important to follow the recommendations of the dentist and undergo regular preventive examinations.