Restoration performed by VDG Clinic Director Edward Butler
If you have a CHIPPED TOOTH – a dental filling can in many circumstances provide a solution that can return your smile back to its full glory.
Sometimes a dental filling is required to combat the presence of decay. Although it is important to try your best to avoid decay in your teeth by brushing, flossing and reducing the consumption of sugary foods, sometimes teeth do become compromised by decay or trauma. Fortunately, Victorian Dental Group has many options for restoring both the strength and aesthetics of your teeth.
Should your teeth require restoration, the first options are often by the means of a filling. A VICTORIAN DENTAL GROUP dental practitioner will examine your teeth and may order an X-ray of the area to be performed. From here the dental practitioner can pinpoint exactly what restoration is required and discuss with you the different options available – as there are many types of fillings available.
With the advancements of modern dentistry, painful filling procedures have become a thing of the past. In some cases, filling work can even be carried out without the need for dental drilling.
Your Dental Practitioners will usually start by assessing the size and extent of the decay in your tooth, which may involve x-rays being performed. From here they will provide anaesthesia if required. Once they are sure that you will be comfortable for the entire procedure, the decay in your tooth is removed using either a dental drill or with “drill-free” air-abrasion technology. Next, the tooth is cleaned and prepared for the filling. Once your filling is placed and set – sometimes with a special light, it will be shaped and polished to give you the shape and feel of your original tooth back.
After your filling, your Dental Practitioner will advise how best to look after your new filling, including some do’s and don’ts.
To understand this, we must first understand what causes tooth decay. Tooth decay (dental caries) is damage to a tooth that can happen when decay-causing bacteria in your mouth make acids that attack the tooth’s surface or enamel. When decay-causing bacteria come into contact with sugars and starches from foods and drinks, they form an acid. This acid can attack the tooth’s enamel causing it to lose minerals. Once these minerals are lost, a cavity forms. The extent of decay can spread and worsen over time.
The infographic below shows some examples of what could happen if decay is left untreated…
This article is designed to be for information purposes only and does not substitute or replace the advice of a registered health practitioner. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Please view the site Disclaimer for more information.
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