Tooth Filling

What is Filling?

Filling is the most basic treatment method used to restore broken teeth that have been damaged by decay or have suffered material loss due to trauma. Today, many different materials are used for fillings.

Composite Fillings

Composite filling, commonly known as light filling or white filling, is a type of plastic mixture containing silicon dioxide particles. The decay is cleaned and the tooth space, which we call cavity, is prepared. A special method called adhesive system (bonding) is used to bond the composite filling to the tooth. The chemical bonding of the composite material to the tooth is achieved with LED light or halogen light devices.

It is sufficient to clean only the decay without requiring extra abrasion from the tooth. It is extremely durable as the remaining tooth tissues are supported. Composite fillings integrate with the tooth and there is no question of falling out. Having color options provides ease of use and high aesthetic results in every area. It can be used in the mouth for many years if care is taken in the application.

Fiber-reinforced composite fillings and ceramic-containing composite fillings, which are preferred depending on the amount of material loss, are developing composite technologies. They are advantageous in terms of durability.

Porcelain Fillings (Inlay-Onlay)

It is possible to restore teeth that have suffered serious material loss but do not require a crown with porcelain fillings.

In the first session, the decay is cleaned and the necessary arrangements are made. Then, measurements are taken and the tooth is covered with a temporary filling. Porcelain filling is prepared in a laboratory environment and in the second session, the filling is bonded to the tooth after checking its compatibility with the tooth, its height and color. Thanks to its high polishability, plaque retention is very low.

Thanks to CAD cam technologies, digital measurement and computer-aided production minimize the time between two sessions. The margin of error is close to zero. Aesthetic harmony is perfect, restorations closest to nature are produced.

Glass Ionomer Fillings

They are used in children's milk teeth because they are easy to apply and contain fluoride, which protects against tooth decay. In adults, they are used as a long-term temporary filling material. Traditional glass ionomer fillings are weaker than composite fillings. In terms of aesthetics, they appear more opaque and matte compared to the natural tooth color.

Amalgam Fillings

Amalgam is a special alloy obtained by mixing mercury, a metal that is liquid at room temperature, with other metal powders such as silver, tin, copper, and zinc that are solid. It has been used for many years due to its features such as easy application and low cost. It is not applied in our clinic due to reasons such as its lack of aesthetics, its physical connection with the tooth only, and its deformation due to pressure and temperature differences.

Cracked Tooth Syndrome

Many physical factors can cause cracks or even fractures in teeth. Since the symptoms seen in cracked teeth vary, diagnosis is quite difficult. Patient complaints may continue for a long time.

Patients often report a history of pain of varying intensity and long duration, the source of which is difficult to determine. This pain may be accompanied by cold sensitivity. The source of this sharp pain, especially felt during chewing of foods that create a vacuum effect during chewing, is often unidentifiable. This condition is known as “cracked tooth syndrome.” Symptoms may vary depending on the depth of the crack, the direction of progression, and the tissue involved in the crack line.

What are the causes of tooth cracks?

The main cause of tooth cracks is physical forces, especially the habit of clenching and grinding teeth, which we call bruxism, trauma, expansion and contraction in amalgam fillings due to temperature changes, suddenly biting a hard food, para-functional habits, early and unbalanced contacts on the teeth, and the existing fillings or coatings not having the correct closing relationship. However, the cause of tooth cracks may not always be determined.

Is it possible to treat tooth cracks?

Early diagnosis is important for successful treatment. In addition to radiographic and clinical examination, a number of bite tests, vitality tests, thermal tests, and examination with halogen light if the crack is superficial are very useful. In order to make a visual diagnosis, it may sometimes be necessary to remove the restoration on the relevant tooth or to surgically open the suspicious area. If the cause is not eliminated and the crack is not treated, tooth fractures are possible.

The treatment method of cracked teeth is determined by the location, depth and direction of the crack. If the crack or fracture is at the enamel layer level, follow-up can be done or support can be obtained from composite fillings depending on the size of the complaint. Filling or coating is preferred according to the depth of the crack at the dentin layer level. However, if the crack has affected the vascular nerve bundle of the tooth, root canal treatment should be performed. Then, coating will be appropriate in terms of supporting the remaining tooth tissues.

Unfortunately, the chance of treatment for root cracks and fractures is gradually decreasing. The risk of infection in the gum at the level of the broken root also increases. The tooth is likely to be extracted.

After treatment, a night plate should be used to balance chewing forces. Early contacts should be arranged. A balanced bite should be provided. The condition of the teeth should be monitored in periodic checks.