There are different types of dental fillings but the main purpose of fillings is to restore back to health the damaged or decayed teeth.
Sometimes a person can develop dental caries or tooth decay. This usually begins at the grooves and fissures of our teeth, which are areas that collect food allowing bacteria to thrive. And when bacteria spreads it begins to eat away on the healthy tooth structure, initiating gum disease.
Dental fillings can resolve early stages of gum disease and tooth decay. This involves the cleansing of the tooth of diseased tissue by drilling, after which appropriate dental fillings are provided to seal the prepared cavity.
There are different types of dental fillings:
According to the nature of the cavity and the preparation.
According to the progression of the disease, tooth decay may proceed in various ways and it may be small or large, depending on how severe the infection has spread. The most common cavities are those that develop from the central fossa, but there are other types of caries classifications —- the nature of the disease infection will dictate the type of tooth preparation required.
According to the technique.
There are two main techniques that are followed for dental filling procedures, direct and indirect. Direct dental fillings are performed inside of the mouth while indirect dental fillings are more complicated and require a dental impression for cast fabrication, wherein the fillings will be constructed with. Indirect dental fillings are also known as inlays and onlays and they are permanently installed in the teeth with an adhesive or cement.
According to the material used.
Dental fillings can be classified as either metal or tooth-colored.
Metal fillings such as gold and silver amalgam are the traditional material of choice and they were popular because of strength. Tooth-colored fillings are more aesthetic and so much more popular nowadays. They are available as composite resin, ceramic and porcelain, and may be given to direct or indirect procedures.
When you are receiving a dental filling, you are given the decision to opt for the technique and the material. The nature of the disease infection dictates the type of tooth preparation, you cannot control this.