Dental Fillings Lecture Notes PDF

Dental Fillings Dr. Noor Al Mortadi Definition of Dental Filling:  is an approach to restore a decayed tooth in order to retain its normal function and shape.  Is a dental material that has been used to repair a decayed tooth. How??  The tooth is first prepared using dental dr...

Dental Fillings Dr. Noor Al Mortadi Definition of Dental Filling:  is an approach to restore a decayed tooth in order to retain its normal function and shape.  Is a dental material that has been used to repair a decayed tooth. How??  The tooth is first prepared using dental drills/burs to remove decay and create space for the dental material of choice – then the filling material is inserted.  When the pulp is vital and unexposed, the dental filling is added.  When the pulp is exposed or dead, root canal therapy is usually necessary before the dental filling is added. The advantages of dental fillings: 1. The normal function of the tooth is thereby restored 2. Pain is prevented 3. The vitality of the pulp is preserved.  For the anterior teeth, fillings restore normal appearance. However, for the posterior teeth, stagnation areas can be eradicated and further caries prevented. Which type of filling is the best?  No single type of filling is the Best for everyone/CASE.  Each type of fillings has its advantages and disadvantages.  Each type of fillings has limitations on where and when it can be used.  The location and size of the decay often limits the options of fillings. Dental fillings are grouped into two main categories:  A) Temporary Fillings:These are inserted as a temporary measure only. They are too soft and soluble and would not remain intact for long periods.  B) Permanent Fillings Temporary fillings and uses 1. As a first-aid measure to relieve pain. 2. When there is insufficient time to complete the cavity and insert a permanent filling in one visit. 3. For permanent fillings requiring more than one visit, e.g. inlays, crowns, a temporary restoration is necessary between visit. Purposes of cavity lining (Calcium hydroxide ) 1. Protection of pulp against thermal shock, i.e. conduction of heat or cold through metal fillings 2. Protection of pulp against chemical irritation of non-metallic fillings. Calcium hydroxide  Contains Calcium hydroxide powder and water as liquid  Use: as a cavity lining.  Advantages: non irritant, can be used in deepest cavities and it is compatible with all materials  Disadvantages: sub.lining only, in deep cavities under metal fillings B) Permanent Fillings: Permanent fillings fall into two categories based on the method used to place them: They are: A) Direct restorations B) Indirect restorations A) Direct restorations are fillings placed immediately into a prepared cavity in a single visit. They include dental amalgam, glass ionomers, resin ionomers and most composite (resin) fillings. The dentist prepares the tooth, places the filling and adjusts it during one appointment. B) Indirect restorations may require two or more visits. They include inlays, onlays, veneers, crowns and bridges fabricated with gold, ceramics or composites.  During the first visit, the dentist prepares the tooth and makes an impression of the area to be treated.  The impression is sent to a dental laboratory, which creates the dental restoration (filling).  At the next appointment, the dentist  cements the restoration to the prepared  tooth and adjusts it as needed. Dental Amalgam  The word “Amalgam” when referring to dental fillings means a mixture of two or more metals in which mercury is a component.  Dental amalgam is a mix of approximately 43 % to 54 % mercury with other metals, including silver, copper and tin. Today, amalgam is used most commonly in the posterior teeth. It is one of the oldest filling materials and has been used (and improved) for more than 150 years. Composite (resin)  Composite is a mixture of acrylic resin and powdered glass-like particles that produce a tooth-colored filling.  This type of material may be self-hardening or may be hardened by exposure to blue light.  Sometimes it is used to replace a portion of a broken or chipped tooth. composite  Removable orthodontics Filling prepared in the lab Direct filling