Our Services
Tooth Filling
Dental filling is a procedure in which we treat missing tooth tissue caused by decay, fracture or abrasion. Caries detected during a general examination should be treated without delay. When caries progresses in the tooth tissue, it causes longer treatments, pain and even damage that can lead to tooth extraction. For dental filling, decayed or broken tissues in the tooth are cleaned and filled with tooth-coloured materials that are compatible with human health. With dental filling, we restore the tooth to its former function. We use composite or porcelain materials for tooth filling. There is usually no pain after the dental filling procedure, but we say that there may be sensitivity lasting for the first week after deep fillings.
Why is Tooth Filling Done?
Dental filling is the process of filling teeth that have lost their chewing function, do not look aesthetically pleasing, cracked or decayed teeth with various materials. Especially if the previous filling treatment falls off or wears out, the tooth may need to be restored with a filling again. In addition, if the pulp in the inner part of the tooth is damaged and cannot heal, it is an inevitable necessity to fill the tooth with canal treatment.
What are the Types of Tooth Filling?
Amalgam Filling: Amalgam fillings, consisting of a mixture of mercury, silver, tin and copper, are chewing-resistant and cost-effective fillings used especially in the back teeth. However, its gray metallic color, which does not meet aesthetic expectations, and the possible risk of allergy due to the mercury it contains, have reduced the preference for these fillings. In addition, other disadvantages of amalgam fillings are that they do not fully integrate with the tooth and that healthy parts of the tooth are lost during application. Amalgam Filling is not applied in our clinic.
Composite Filling: Composite fillings, which are hardened using a white color and blue light filling device, are called white filling, radiated filling, laser filling. These fillings, which consist of a plastic mixture containing silicon dioxide particles, are aesthetically compatible and can be used in both front and back teeth. It is more expensive than amalgam fillings, but it offers an aesthetic solution in cases such as broken, worn or gapped teeth.
Porcelain Filling: Porcelain fillings are the filling material most compatible with the teeth. The porcelain filling prepared in the first session is bonded to the tooth and polished in the second session. There is no loss of tissue, it is durable, compatible with teeth and long-lasting. Its color is compatible with the tooth, and its structure is close to the hardness of the enamel layer. It has a non-abrasive and gum-compatible structure. Despite its disadvantages such as requiring two sessions for treatment and being more costly, it exhibits a high level of performance in meeting durability and aesthetic expectations.
In our clinic, composite or porcelain materials are generally used for dental fillings.
How is Tooth Filling Done?
Dental filling application first involves a detailed cleaning of the decayed tooth by the dentist. The tooth, which is cleaned from decays and residues on the tooth, is filled with filling material and treated. During this procedure, local anaesthesia is applied so that the patient does not feel pain or soreness. Local anaesthesia ensures that the area to be filled is numbed and the procedure is performed painlessly. The remaining gap in the cleaned tooth is filled by applying filling material appropriately to the broken or decayed area. Depending on the type of material selected, special medical devices are used to quickly freeze the filling material.
After the procedure, the patient is asked to open and close the mouth and it is checked whether there is any problem. If a problem is detected, the necessary shortening or correction procedures are performed by the doctor. After all controls are completed, the tooth regains its former function.
The duration of a dental filling varies depending on the material used and the condition of the tooth. Composite fillings, i.e. beam fillings or white fillings, can usually take between 20 and 40 minutes. The duration of porcelain fillings, on the other hand, can vary from a few hours to several days depending on the method chosen. Immediately after the treatment, the patient can continue his/her normal life and use his/her tooth.
How Long Does Tooth Filling Last?
First Examination: During the first examination, the dentist evaluates the patient's mouth and dental structure in detail. As a result of this evaluation, the applicability of zirconium coating is determined. The patient is given detailed information about the process, steps and results of the procedure, so that the patient understands how the treatment will work.
Preparation Process: During the preparation process, local anesthesia is applied to the patient to prevent the feeling of pain or aching. Teeth are made suitable for zirconium coating; is filed or reduced. If bridge operation is required, it is performed at this stage.
Laboratory Process: After the appropriate size of the teeth is determined, measurements are taken. Color selection is made according to the patient's preference. The measurements and color information transmitted to the laboratory enable the preparation of a personalized zirconium dental coating.
Treatment Process: Zirconium crowns are placed on the teeth using special adhesives. This stage can be performed permanently, or it can be applied temporarily for the patient to get used to the process or for control purposes. The treatment period usually varies between 3-5 days, but in some cases this period can be extended up to 7 days.
Post-Treatment Process: After the treatment is completed, the patient should go to the dentist at regular intervals. During these checks, the condition of the coating is evaluated and care recommendations suitable for oral and dental health are given. The lifespan of the coating is directly related to the patient's attendance at regular check-ups and attention to general oral and dental health habits. This process is important to ensure that the patient has a long-term healthy smile.
What Should Be Considered After Tooth Filling?
Composite fillings have a colour close to the actual colour of the tooth and harden rapidly with UV rays. Its fast hardening increases its durability. When the recommendations of experts on filling life are taken into consideration, long years of use can be achieved. In general, the lifespan of composite fillings varies between 7-10 years, but with careful use and maintenance, it can extend up to 15 years.
Amalgam fillings have lower durability than other fillings. The life of these fillings, which are not preferred aesthetically, varies between 5-10 years depending on the tooth used and the quality of the material.
Porcelain fillings have a longer life compared to other fillings. The average life of porcelain fillings is determined as 15-20 years. However, this period can be extended up to 30 years if the patient shows careful care and compliance with the dentist's recommendations.
If patients do not pay attention to certain steps after filling, it may cause the life of the filling to be short-lived. It is especially important to take precautions such as compliance with hygiene rules, avoiding acidic foods and avoiding smoking. In addition, one of the factors affecting the filling life is hard foods. Not breaking down hard foods in the mouth can help protect the area where the filling is made. When the patient takes these precautions, he/she can be more successful in extending the life of the filling.