Dental Filling, also known as Tooth Filling or Cavity Filling, is a restorative dentistry treatment modality used to address tooth decay and structural damage issues. This procedure involves filling missing or decayed tooth structures with different materials. Tooth cavity treatment improves the function of the teeth, strengthens weakened teeth, and preserves tooth structure.
The tooth structure is usually destroyed due to tooth decay or trauma. A Dental Filling helps to fill this gap and protect it from further decay. It is also used to repair broken or cracked teeth that can wear off because of dental habits like teeth grinding and nail-biting. Filling materials can include Composite, Ceramic, GIC, etc., used to even out tooth surfaces for better functionality, including biting or chewing.
Dental fillings should be replaced when they become different in color, making them aesthetically undesirable. They are also replaced in case of secondary tears that occur underneath the Filling. In some instances, Amalgam fillings can cause allergic reactions, so they should be replaced with other materials.