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Once a tooth has formed decay the destruction
will become progressive. As the decay and the bacteria within the
tooth reaches the nerve there is nerve destruction and death accompanied
by pain, swelling and infection. To prevent this from happening
the decay is removed in the early stages and the cavity filled restoring
the tooth to its natural form.
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Filling materials include:
Amalgam:
This is a silver filling formed by mixing metal alloy powder to
liquid mercury. This is then placed in the tooth cavity and due
to the constituency takes the anatomic shape of the tooth.
White filling/Bonding:
This is a white filling with different shades to match the colour
of your tooth. It is esthetic (looks nicer as it is the same colour
of the natural tooth) and also bonds to the remaining tooth surface.
There are different types of bonding that are designed for restoration
of the anterior teeth. This type of filling exist in a paste form
which hardens when subjected to UV light (light cured).
Bondings are resin based composite restorative
material with inorganic filler and are fixed to the teeth using
an etch technique which greatly reduces leakages and greatly enhances
the bonding of the composite restorative material to the tooth.
Gold:
This is one of the oldest filling material. It was used in its pure
form previously but is now mixed with an alloy to increase its strength.
Porcelain:
The porcelain filling is made to resemble the exact colour of the
natural tooth.
Fissure sealants/Dental sealants:
This plays an important role in helping to prevent some forms of
tooth decay. Sealants are plastics that are bonded into the grooves
of the teeth resulting in a smoother tooth surface which is less
likely to trap food particles, plaque and makes the tooth easier
to brush.
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