Did You Know There's More Than One Way to Fill a Cavity?

Tooth decay can lead to painful cavities, but you don’t always have to take it out. Instead, you can restore the damaged tooth with a dental filling. Once it is determined that your tooth can be saved via filling, your dentist will first remove the decayed tooth substance, clean the affected area, and then fill out the cavity with a dental filling material. There are different ways to fill a cavity, including:

1. Temporary filling

The most common type of temporary filling is cement filling, which is intended to last for only a few months. The duration that a temporary filling can remain in place depends on the type of material used, since some are made to be semi-permanent, such as glass ionomer cements. Typical temporary fillings include PolyF, Cavit, Fugi GIC cement, and Zinc Oxide Eugenol.

Pros

• Helps you feel more comfortable until you’re able to get a permanent filling – such as when you have a hyper-sensitive tooth
• Quick and easy to install – for emergency appointments

Cons

• Wear very quickly as they are not meant to last
• If left for prolonged periods, they can fracture and fall out

2. Permanent filling using Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART)

This is one way to remove demineralized outer caries dentin and place permanent filling using only hand instruments, without the dentist being required to use an expensive drill.

Pros

• Simple method used where conventional cavity preparation is not feasible
• Cost-effective as it does not require any anesthesia, electricity, or running water
• Minimal pain during cavity preparation – due to creation of smaller cavities
• Conserves tooth structure and minimizes trauma

Cons

• Mostly used in the developing rural countries though it is now found in developed countries
• Not ideal for multi-surface restorations compared to single surface restorations

3. Permanent filling using a dental drill

Unlike in ART, the dentist uses a dental drill to extract all decay from a cavity and change the shape of the cavity so it can hold the permanent filling material firmly. Different filling materials require different shaping procedures. For instance, if bonded filling is being used, your dentist will etch your tooth with an acid gel before the filling is placed.

Pros

• Last an average of 12 years

Cons

• Cases of sensitivity to air pressure, cold, or sweet foods after composite fillings – amalgam is stronger
• Pain after the anesthetic wears off – if the filling is too high
• Galvanic shock discomfort when two metals touch (top and bottom)

You may also consider getting custom-made restorations, made from a special mold of your tooth in the lab. The restoration usually takes 2 or more visits, and can be made from gold, metal alloys, porcelain, and/or composite materials.  

Ask us about the dental fillings we offer @ Floss Dental & Orthodontics!