The treatment for tooth decay consists of drilling out the decayed portion of the tooth and protecting it from more decay and accumulation of bits of food with the placement of filling material. Material used for such procedures will vary according to the requirement and practicability of the condition. Some teeth can be filled with a durable and color matched composite material, while others will require treatment with amalgam filling material.
Composite fillings were not always as long-lasting as the amalgam fillings, but advances in technology have improved these aspects of this material.
A tooth doesn’t need as much drilling out with composite fillings as it would with amalgam filling placement.
A critical issue in the use of composite fillings is the dentist’s experience. The techniques required for the previous generation of amalgam fillings were not as challenging or particular as those for modern composite fillings, and it requires a specially trained dentist to get the best result. It is important to discuss this with your dentist to ensure that they can provide the best care.
The dentist will examine the area causing pain with an X-ray and visual evaluation. The dentist will then use drills and/or lasers to remove the infected tooth tissue after administering a local anaesthetic if necessary.
Once the damaged portions have been thoroughly cleaned the dentist treats the tooth surface with a disinfectant or sodium rinse so as to prevent any recontamination of the affected area.
The dentist then applies a dental bonding agent and puts in the composite filling material in layers while repeatedly checking the bite comfort of the patient. Before completing the procedure the dentist lightly reshapes the filling until the patient has an absolutely comfortable bite.The dentist checks to see if the shape and cover of the filling material are proper then hardens the surface using a special light.