There are two types of indirect fillings -- inlays and onlays.
- Inlays
are similar to fillings but the entire work lies within the cusps (bumps) on the chewing surface of the tooth.
Dental Fillings
A filling is used to treat a small hole, or cavity, in a tooth. To repair a cavity, a dentist removes the decayed tooth tissue and then fills the space with a filling material.
A dental filling is generally very safe, but it does have risks and potential complications. It is only one method used to treat tooth decay. Discuss all of your options with your dentist to understand which options are right for you.
- Tooth decay is damage to a tooth that can happen when harmful bacteria in your mouth make acids that attack the tooth enamel. This can lead to a small hole in a tooth, called a cavity. More severe decay can cause a large hole or even destruction of the entire tooth. If tooth decay is not treated, it can cause pain, infection, and even tooth loss.
- When a tooth is exposed to acid frequently—for example, if you eat or drink often, especially foods or drinks containing sugar and starches—the repeated cycles of acid attacks cause the enamel to continue to lose minerals.A white spot may appear where minerals have been lost. This is a sign of early decay.
- Tooth decay can be stopped or reversed at this point. Enamel can repair itself by using minerals from saliva and fluoride from toothpaste or other sources. But if the tooth decay process continues, more minerals are lost. Over time, the enamel is weakened and destroyed, forming a cavity.
Some tooth filling materials are-
1.Composites:
- Aesthetics: the shade/color of the composite fillings can be closely matched to the color of existing teeth. Composites are particularly well suited for use in front teeth or visible parts of teeth.
- Bonding to tooth structure:fillings micro-mechanically bond to tooth structure, providing further support.
- Versatility:in addition to use as a filling material for decay, composite fillings can also be used to repair chipped, broken, or worn teeth.
- Tooth-sparing preparation :sometimes less tooth structure needs to be removed compared with amalgam fillings when removing decay and preparing for the filling.
Ceramics:
These fillings are made most often of porcelain and are more resistant to staining than composite resin material. This material generally lasts more than 15 years and can cost as much as gold.
Glass ionomer:
is made of acrylic and a specific type of glass material. This material is most commonly used for fillings below the gum line and for fillings in young children (drilling is still required). Glass ionomers release fluoride, which can help protect the tooth from further decay. However, this material is weaker than composite resin and is more susceptible to wear and prone to fracture. Glass ionomer generally lasts five years or less with costs comparable to composite resin.
- Onlays
are more extensive than inlays, covering one or more cusps. Onlays are sometimes called partial crowns.
