Some time ago, teeth were filled with an amalgam of different metals. Today, the case is different as more dentists are using metal-free and natural-looking dental fillings.
Materials that are currently in use include porcelains and composite resins. They are safe and predictable. These materials bear close semblance to the natural tooth.
The Components Of A Tooth
The outer part of your tooth is known as the enamel. The enamel is the hardest substance produced by humans (and all animals). It is made up of calcium crystals closely bound together. There are no living tissues in the enamel. The enamel is easily imitated by porcelains.
The inner part of the tooth is called dentin. The dentin is porous. It also bears semblance to the bone. The dentin is made up of collagen tubes along with deposits of calcium crystals. Note that your dentin is sensitive and living. Sensations in the dentin is transmitted through nerve tissues or pulp. The nerve tissue is located in the center of your tooth. The natural dentin is mimicked by dental composite resins. These composites consist of silica filler and plastic resin.
The Bonding
Amalgams or metal cavity fillings could not establish a bonding with the tooth. They only coated it and provided some form of protection. Today, a lot is known about the dentin-enamel interface and the bond that forms between both products. Dental science has been able to establish more ways of creating bonds between dental fillings and the teeth, resulting in a more efficient and stronger connection.
Rebuilding The Teeth
Teeth restoration or rebuilding depends on the establishment of a good bond between the enamel, dentin, and resin materials. The goal of restorative dentistry is to recreate a tooth that has a natural look and feel.
Using Nature As A Guide
In times past, the goal of dentistry was to create stronger teeth using rigid and durable materials. These teeth would then be used as a replacement for damaged or decayed teeth. Unfortunately, these teeth caused further damage by allowing further cracking and decay. Today, dentists are guided by nature as they constantly search for materials that bear semblance to the teeth in structure and function. Tooth-colored fillings are a combination of science and art that takes into consideration the restoration of tooth shape and function. An entire tooth or a portion of it is recreated using materials that would function just like a healthy tooth.
Immediate Dentin Sealing– This makes use of a resin coating to protect the surface of the dentin from sensitivity and from bacteria. It forms a hybrid layer that allows bonding of composite resin.
Dentin Build-Up– Basically, a dentine build-up is a resin layering that fills all voids and recreates the original shape of the tooth. Amalgam fillings require undercuts to keep the firm. These undercutting causes weakening and cracks in the tooth. Fortunately, these problems do not exist with resin-dentin build-ups.
Restorations
Tooth-colored fillings or restorative materials are used to repair the teeth through 3 different methods – direct, semi-direct, or indirect. There are merits and demerits associated with each method.
Direct Fillings– This involves filling of cavities with very small amounts of restorative materials. Special lights are used to set the resins. This implies that the entire filling can be repaired by the time you leave the dentist’s office at Parkland, Florida.
Semi-Direct Fillings– these are used to repair larger areas. They are almost the same as direct filings because it involves the use of resin layers. However, this restoration can be set outside of the mouth. After setting the filling, it is bonded to the tooth. At Mighty Children’s Dentistry, we use Computer Assisted Milling to form the inlays. With this technology, we make more durable porcelain restoration.
Indirect Fillings– These are used when there is a need for complex or large restorations.
Make an Appointment Today! Our dental team headed by Dr. Aurelio A Bula is ready to put that smile you’ve always wanted on your face.
