Dental Fillings

A dental filling is a means to restore oral health during tooth decay or cavity formation. Bacteria damage the hard structure (cementum, enamel, and dentin) and then break it down, creating cavities. Following groups of bacteria are accountable for this condition: Lactobacillus and Streptococcus mutans. Leaving it without treatment will result in tooth loss, pain, infections, and maybe death. Cariology is the study of dental caries, which are a common tooth disorder all over the world.

The caries occur in various ways; however, the development and risk factors are quite similar. In the beginning, it looks like a little chalky portion which may ultimately become a large cavity. These caries are visible sometimes, and other techniques of detection, like radiographs, are employed for less accessible areas of teeth and to analyze the effects.

Tooth decays due to a particular bacterium which produces acid which causes damage, with the help of carbohydrates such as sucrose, glucose, and fructose. The pH balance is disturbed due to the increase in the development of lactic acid. It is a well-known fact that a tooth continually gains and loses its mineral. As soon as the pH becomes less than 5.5, the tooth loses minerals at a faster rate, causing decay. Treatment to revive the teeth back to its healthy state is available. But, there are no methods to restore a significant portion of the tooth structure, although research regarding stem cell suggests an option. Oral health organizations support only the prophylactic and defensive measures, like maintaining oral hygiene and proper diet, to prevent dental complications.

White Fillings

Amalgam Filling Procedure