Filling treatment  is the cleaning of the decayed tooth structure and filling it with special filling material. Bacteria caused by food debris in the interdental spaces, which are not adequately cleaned, cause caries by accumulating on the tooth surface over time. Caries caused by insufficient oral hygiene and cleaning can be treated at an early stage thanks to the filling treatment, which ensures minimal deformation of the tooth structure. The tooth, decaying and its structure has deteriorated, cannot perform its functions in the future.

What is Filling Treatment?

Although the main cause of caries that requires filling treatment is the interruption or omission of oral and dental hygiene, an unhealthy diet, consumption of various medications, or certain diseases can also cause caries.

Dental caries, which are caused by the melting of the hard tissue on the surface of the teeth, increase the sensitivity of the teeth to cold and hot foods and drinks and cause unbearable toothache. If caries are not noticed in time, they spread to the tooth’s root. Advanced caries can end with tooth extraction. The earliest possible examination and treatment of the tooth that shows the first signs of caries will prevent tooth loss and toothache.

During the filling treatment, which is used to treat the decayed tooth, the decayed areas in the tooth are cleaned, and the emptied part is filled with the most suitable filling from various special filling options. If the treatment of the decayed tooth area is delayed, a root canal treatment is performed first, and the pain-causing nerves are cleaned since the decay has reached the tooth’s roots. In such cases, a filling is performed after the root canal treatment.

A filling treatment is performed not only for decayed teeth but also for cracked or broken teeth. A healthier and more aesthetic appearance is achieved by applying a suitable  filling treatment to teeth that are cracked or broken due to various reasons such as teeth grinding, eating hard foods and nuts, and accidents.

What are the types of fillings?

Different filling materials and types can be used in filling treatment depending on the region where the tooth is located, the previous surgeries performed, the clinical condition, and the person’s requests. Some commonly used filling types, which are generally named after their contents, are as follows.

• Amalgam Filling
• Gold Filling
• Composite Filling
• Inlay-Onlay Porcelain Filling

How is the filling treatment performed?

To perform the filling treatment,  the patient undergoes a thorough dental examination. With the determination of caries and the height of the tooth, the appropriate filling treatment process is initiated. After the area to be filled has been determined with the help of X-rays and other imaging equipment, if necessary, caries in the tooth is emptied using the most modern technology tools. The tooth’s interior and surrounding areas are completely cleaned with emptying. The dentist prepares the material intended for the filling, and the filling is performed in the cleaned tooth area. The completion of the treatment consists of the patient taking care of the oral hygiene and the filling after the treatment.

How should a filled tooth be used?

Patients who have undergone filling treatment should pay attention to the following after the procedures.

• Extremely hot and extremely cold foods and drinks should be avoided.
• Hard-shelled foods should be consumed with caution.
• Consumption of nicotine-containing tobacco products should be avoided.
• Oral hygiene should not be interrupted, and the formation of bacteria in the mouth should be prevented as much as possible.
• Acidic products should be avoided.
• People who have problems with teeth grinding, clenching, or nail biting should have the associated problems treated.

Avoiding these and similar ingredients that can harm fillings will help ensure that the filling treatment produces highly effective results and restores people to their former health.