Types and Usage Areas of Dental Filling

Dental filling restores the old function of the tooth by filling the cavity in the teeth. At the same time, caries progression is also stopped by filling application. In this way, more serious situations are prevented in the future. There are various types of dental fillings used today. In this way, it is possible to use the most suitable dental filling.

What is Dental Filling?

Filling; It is a dental treatment method used to repair tooth decays, fractures and cracks. Filling materials can consist of composite resins, amalgam, gold and ceramic materials placed in your teeth.

Why is a tooth filling done?

Dental filling is used in the following cases:

In the treatment of dental caries
For filling gaps in the tooth
To correct the aesthetics of the teeth
Tooth fractures
Tooth wear

What are the Types of Fillings?

There are 4 different types of dental filling. These are as follows:

• Amalgam filling
• Composite filling
• Ceramic-containing filling

Various factors are taken into consideration when choosing the type of filling to be used in the treatment.

What is Amalgam Dental Filling? What are the Areas of Use?

Amalgam filling; It is a type of filling made with a mixture of materials such as mercury, silver, copper, tin and zinc. These fillings are generally used in the back teeth. However, it is a type of filling that is not preferred today.

What is Composite Filling? What are the Areas of Use?

Composite filling is an aesthetic dental filling material and can be coloured according to the colour of the tooth. It is generally used on the front and side surfaces of the teeth.

Composite filling is frequently used in the treatment of dental caries. It can also be used in the treatment of fractures, cracks, abrasions and deformities in the teeth.

Another advantage of composite fillings is that their application is less invasive. A portion of the tooth surface where the filling will be applied is removed, the filling material is placed on the tooth and shaped. The filling material is then hardened with a special light and the filling process is completed. A single session is usually sufficient for the application of the filling.

How is the type of filling selected?

Several factors are taken into consideration when choosing the type of dental filling. These are as follows:

The position of the tooth to be filled: The position of the tooth to be filled plays an important role in the choice of dental filling. Filling materials used in the back teeth require higher durability. For this reason, more durable composite fillings with more ceramic content are preferred for the teeth in this region.
The extent of the damage: While composite fillings can be preferred for small damages, composite fillings with high ceramic content are preferred for larger damages.
Patient preference: While some patients attach more importance to aesthetic appearance, others may prefer a longer-lasting filling material.

What is Ceramic Filling? What are the Areas of Use?

Ceramic filling is a type of dental filling made with a ceramic material suitable for the colour of the tooth. It is used on the front surface and side surface of the teeth.

The advantage of ceramic fillings is that they have the same colour as natural teeth and their ability to give an aesthetically satisfying result. In addition, since ceramic fillings are made of a material that does not carry the risk of allergic reactions and does not expand like other types of fillings, the risk of cracking or abrasion is also low.