• Conservative Dentistry: (Fillings) •
 
This branch includes the restoration or filling of the cavity of the decayed tooth or worn out tooth with biocompatible material. The procedure is painless initially but if the cavity is deep, patients might experience sensitivity when we clean the decayed portion, which can be easily blocked by an injection of local anesthetic. In deep cavities, an insulating medicated cement is placed below the restoration (eg. Zinc Phosphate cement under Silver Amalgam) for pulp protection.. The choice of filling material depends upon the size of the cavity and the position of the concerned tooth in the mouth.

Various metallic filling materials are Silver amalgum, gold foil, or pre-prepared fillings(inlay) of different alloys. These materials are non cosmetic and hence are used in the back-teeth (molars).
 
Silver amalgam is still the most popular tooth filling material in the world. Controvercy surrounds silver amalgam because of its mercury content and the possibility of toxicity. It has been documented that the mercury that is absorbed from the stomach or through lungs is lot less than the toxic levels . However silver amalgam filling requires more amount of tooth cutting for better retention and because of its black colour it cannot be used in the front teeth.
 
In the front teeth small cavities are filled with cements such as Glass Ionomer which is white in colour and has adhesive and anti-caries properties. Composite resins are highly cosmetic and are more durable than the cements. They also need less cutting of tooth for filling due to their chemical bonding with tooth. They are hence more durable as compared to cements, however their use is very sensitive to proper technique else may lead to sesetivity due to shrinkage. Resin Major defects in the front teeth usually need Full Crowns (Cap) or veneers made from Porcelain (Ceramic).
 
Website Designed & Maintained by - Jayant Anagal