Aesthetic Filling
What is Aesthetic Tooth Filling?
Esthetic filling, known as composite filling in terminology, refers to fillings that are adjusted to match the patient’s own tooth color and cannot be distinguished from natural tooth enamel. The fact that the boundaries of esthetic fillings are not visible to the naked eye enhances the aesthetic appeal of the procedure. Patients who are hesitant to get dental fillings due to concerns about negative aesthetic appearance, especially in the front teeth, opt for esthetic fillings with peace of mind. This way, both aesthetic goals for the teeth are achieved and their functionality is restored.
Composite filling is also known as white filling among the general public. It is filled into the teeth in a paste-like consistency and shaped by the dentist using special devices. The esthetic filling is then hardened by exposure to LED light. Since it chemically bonds to the tooth structure, it is highly resistant to pressure and wear. Composite fillings are used not only for filling purposes but also for correcting aesthetic flaws in the teeth.
Aesthetic Tooth Filling Advantages & Disadvantages
Esthetic fillings offer several advantages due to the techniques used during the application.
- They can be applied to all teeth, including incisors, canines, and molars.
- The color of the esthetic filling can be precisely matched to the patient’s own tooth color, resulting in an excellent aesthetic appearance.
- They can be applied to multiple teeth simultaneously, and the procedure can be completed in a single session. All cleaning and adjustment processes are done within the same appointment.
- They chemically bond to the tooth and are highly durable.
- The possibility of “decay at the connection points” seen in amalgam fillings is much lower.
- They are more cost-effective compared to porcelain and gold fillings.
However, it is important to mention the disadvantages associated with esthetic fillings:
- Foods and consumables such as cigarettes, coffee, tea, and cola that can cause tooth discoloration over time can also lead to staining of the fillings. It is advised to avoid consuming these substances, especially within the first 48 hours after the filling procedure.
- Cracking or attempting to bite into hard and crunchy foods can damage the filled teeth.
- After the procedure, temporary sensitivity periods, which can sometimes be short and other times prolonged, may occur.
How Is Aesthetic Tooth Filling Made?
- For surface cavities, local anesthesia may not be necessary; however, the use of local anesthesia is generally preferred to completely eliminate the possibility of the patient experiencing pain.
- Before starting the procedure, the area where the tooth to be filled is located is numbed with local anesthesia.
- The decayed tooth structure is removed, and the resulting cavity is shaped to ensure better adhesion of the filling.
- In cases where the decay has reached the roots, materials are placed in the tooth pulp to prevent potential pain.
- A dental liquid is applied to the tooth surface to create a rougher texture, ensuring stronger adhesion of the filling.
- The filling material is placed in the prepared cavity in thin layers and cured using a curing light.
- After the stages of filling application are completed, any excess material or roughness is smoothed out by polishing.
- Finally, the filled teeth are polished to complete the procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions About Aesthetic Tooth Filling
In order to better analyze the tooth and its surrounding area for aesthetic filling, an X-ray is taken, and the procedure is initiated by the dentist. Firstly, the area where the filling will be placed is thoroughly cleaned, and the decayed/damaged tissues are completely removed. Once the tooth and its surrounding area are completely cleaned, the resulting cavity is shaped to facilitate better adhesion of the aesthetic filling. This is achieved through a process called "beveling." The dentist fills the empty space with composite (white) filling material. A medical device is used to expedite the curing of this filling material. Afterwards, if there are any roughness, protrusions, etc., they are smoothed out by polishing. The final touch is given through the polishing process.
Before the aesthetic dental filling procedure, an X-ray is taken, and the dentist determines the necessary steps to be taken.
Aesthetic fillings can be applied to all teeth with visible damage to the dental structure, including decayed or broken teeth.
Aesthetic filling procedures are completed in a single session.
There is no bleeding associated with aesthetic filling procedure.
There is no pain felt after the completion of aesthetic filling treatment. However, there may be a sensitivity that lasts up to 48 hours.
After the completion of the aesthetic dental filling procedure, apart from slight sensitivity, no significant pain is felt. If any pain is experienced related to the performed filling, the patient should contact their dentist.
You can eat 2 hours after the aesthetic dental filling is done.
After the aesthetic tooth filling is done, it is necessary to take a 2-day break from the consumption of carbonated beverages.
After the aesthetic tooth filling is made, the filled tooth and hard and crusty foods should not be broken.
There is no harm in having aesthetic tooth filling while pregnant. However, pregnant patients should get approval from their doctors before getting a filling.
You can do sports whenever you want after aesthetic tooth filling treatment.
In addition to relieving the patient from existing and potential pains, aesthetic dental filling also preserves the tooth itself. As decay progresses and reaches the root, posing a threat to oral and dental health, dental filling provides a macro-level benefit within the oral cavity. Unlike other filling methods, the composite filling is meticulously shaped up to the connection points, seamlessly integrating with the tooth and achieving an aesthetically perfect appearance that is indistinguishable to the naked eye.
After an aesthetic dental filling treatment applied with the right techniques, there is no bad breath.
If you do not have any discomfort after the aesthetic tooth filling process, you do not need to go to the control. However, 6-month routine controls should not be neglected.
Composite filler, which is the same material, is used in both processes. The only difference is; These are the techniques used when applying aesthetic dental fillings.
It is understood that aesthetic filling should be made against any pain felt in the visible teeth or against breakage and decay.
If the aesthetic tooth filling is neglected, caries continues as in other dental fillings and continues to progress in the tooth tissue and begins to threaten the neighboring teeth. In this case, root canal treatment is required to treat bruises that go down to the roots.
The aesthetic tooth filling process takes an average of 1 hour.
Thanks to the local anesthesia used during the aesthetic dental filling treatment, no pain is felt.
If the aesthetic filling is high or the tooth decay is deep, pain may be felt.
After the aesthetic dental filling treatment is completed, the patient can immediately return to his daily life. However, the full recovery period takes an average of 48 hours.
You can drink water 2 hours after the aesthetic tooth filling.
You can brush your teeth 2 hours after the aesthetic tooth filling process.
Aesthetic dental filling treatment can be applied to all patients who have caries or fractures in their teeth.
Aesthetic dental filling treatment in all seasons can be applied without any difference.
In cases where there is inflammation in the gums; Tooth filling cannot be applied until the inflammation dries up. In addition, aesthetic tooth filling cannot be performed without the approval of a doctor during pregnancy and breastfeeding periods.
There is no risk when the aesthetic dental filling treatment is performed by the dentist by providing the necessary medical conditions.
The permanence of the aesthetic tooth filling is on average 8 - 10 years.
If appropriate medical conditions are provided by the dentist in aesthetic dental filling treatments, the success rate is very high.