Restoring the Shape and Function of a Tooth
A dental filling is a therapeutic method used to restore the shape and function of a tooth. The normal function of teeth is often disrupted by various diseases, including the most common problem—caries (tooth decay). It is precisely at this stage that dental filling is performed.

Dentists note that by the age of 25, almost every person already has at least one filled tooth.

Let’s talk a little more about dental fillings.

What Are the Stages of Dental Filling?

The process of treating teeth with fillings is carried out in several stages. First, the diseased tooth tissue is removed. Then, the tooth cavity is cleaned, and finally, it is filled with filling material.

It should be noted that such filling allows stopping the progression of caries because the areas where bacteria could have penetrated are sealed off.

The stages, their order, and complexity depend on the degree of caries development and the patient’s age. In many cases, caries treatment is performed under local anesthesia, and the procedure is completely painless.

How Is Dental Filling Performed?

Depending on the degree of tooth decay and the patient’s individual characteristics, very often the tooth nerve is removed before the filling, followed by cleaning the cavities. After removing the decayed tissue, the formed cavity is treated with a special material to prepare the tooth for filling.

In cases of shallow caries, the filling is done by removing the pathologically changed parts of the tooth and cleaning the resulting cavity. After these procedures, the filling is placed, and photo-polymerizable fillings are hardened under light exposure.

In cases of pulpitis, after cleaning and treating the tooth cavity, the dentist fills it with a plastic material called gutta-percha — a special resin that hermetically seals the tooth cavity.

Before hermetically sealing the cavities, the dentist may place a temporary filling for several days, weeks, or sometimes even a month to ensure that the treatment of the tooth has been successful.

Let’s summarize

Depending on the complexity of the caries, dental filling can be performed in several stages and may require one or multiple visits.

A high-quality filling and reliable work are indicated by a clean, dry, and uniform surface of the tooth.

With a quality and carefully done filling, the treated tooth can last for a long time.