Dental fillings are restorations for teeth that have been affected by caries, or decay. Improper or inadequate oral hygiene maintenance is the top cause of caries in the oral cavity. A low pH of the mouth, combined with areas of accumulated food debris are favourable factors for bacterial present in the mouth to initiate their invasion of the mineralized portions of the teeth.
There are three layers of a normal, healthy tooth. The outmost layer, which is also the hardest, most mineralized layer, is known as Enamel. The second layer, which is slightly porous and less mineralized is called Dentin. Finally, the third and innermost layer is called Pulp – and it contains numerous blood vessels and nerve endings that help in maintaining tooth vitality.
The process of caries, or tooth decay generally begins from a small white, or brown spot seen on the surface of the enamel. If left untreated, it can grow larger and deeper, proceeding to invade and infect the dentin as well as the pulp.
Dental fillings can effectively remove and restore any damage caused by decay – as long as it is restricted to the first two layers of the tooth. Here’s what happens during a tooth-coloured dental filling procedure at the office:
Composites are available in a wide range of shades, which means that your filling can be made to match the exact same colour of your natural teeth.
If you’ve recently spotted a dark lesion on one of your teeth, or if one of your teeth is unusually sensitive to hot and cold all of a sudden – it’s time to see your dentist. At Refined Dental, we make it a point to nip infections right in the bud before they can get bigger and more complex. Give us a call to book an appointment for your filling today!
