The dental filling procedure, also known as filling or restoration, is one of the most commonly performed dental treatments. Its goal is to restore the function and shape of a tooth damaged by decay, trauma, or other factors. Here is a detailed description of this procedure:
Specialists Performing Dental Fillings
| Aesthetic Dentistry Specialization | Specialist |
|---|---|
| Dentist | Rafał Kleszczewski |
| Dentist | Agnieszka Barańska |
| Dentist | Jolanta Rosiak |
| Dentist | Mikael Wojtczuk |
| Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics Specialist | Małgorzata Staruch-Bukowska |
How the Filling Procedure Works
We often begin by asking if you’d like anesthesia. Anesthesia not only eliminates pain but can also help you relax.
Once you’re ready, the dentist removes the decayed filling or soft carious tissue. After “decay removal,” the dentist checks that everything has been done correctly. Often, a form is placed around the tooth to shape the filling and prevent it from being too large or angular, reducing the risk of plaque buildup. This form resembles a cake mold on a micro scale. The cavity is typically filled with a UV-hardened composite. Afterward, the form is removed, and the filling is shaped and polished for a smooth, shiny finish. We also ensure the filling is not too high and doesn’t interfere with your bite so you can chew comfortably as before. Common filling materials include composites, compomers, and glass ionomers. Some fillings, like custom-made porcelain or gold inlays or onlays, are made in a lab, similar to tailored clothing.
Types of Fillings Offered at the Clinic
In-Office Fillings
In-office fillings are completed in a single visit to the dental clinic. We use composites, layered into a prepared cavity. Each layer is hardened using a UV lamp, providing a fast and durable filling. Composites come in various shades, allowing us to match the filling color to your natural tooth color for an aesthetic appearance.
Laboratory Fillings
Laboratory-made fillings, such as inlays, onlays, overlays, and endocrowns, offer advanced solutions for restoring damaged parts of a tooth.
This process involves two stages:
- Preparation and Scanning of the Cavity: First, we clean the cavity and scan it with a 3D scanner, then secure the tooth with a temporary dressing.
- Creation and Cementation: We send the scan data to the lab online, where a lab-made filling is crafted and sent back to the clinic. The restoration, often a composite-ceramic blend, is then bonded to the tooth using a strong composite cement. Ensuring dry conditions during cementation is crucial for long-lasting results, especially for patients without contraindications like bruxism (teeth grinding).
Post-Filling Care
Unless advised otherwise, you can eat immediately after the visit. Be cautious with numb areas—cheek, lips, tongue. If anesthesia is strong, wait for it to wear off before eating hard foods.
A newly filled tooth may be sensitive to temperature or pressure; this is common and should resolve within 7-14 days. If discomfort persists, contact your dentist.
