Different types of filling

Amalgam is a silvery material composed of a combination of mercury, silver, tin, copper and other materials.
Despite being very wear-resistant, the white composite filling is increasingly chosen.
Not only because it looks nicer, but also because amalgam fillings have been shown to be toxic.
Composite is a white filling that is most commonly used today.
In addition to filling cavities, composite can also be used to repair front teeth or if a tooth is heavily discolored.
Instead of an amalgam filling or a white filling, there is also the ceramic inlay.
An inlay or “inlay filling” is a custom-made filling made of porcelain or (precious) metal.

How is a cavity filled?

You can always choose a local anesthetic for a filling.
The dentist will discuss this with you.
If you choose an anesthetic, it must always take some time to take effect.
Then the dentist will drill the molar or tooth.
He does this to clean it but also to make sure that the filling adheres well.
So even if it is a broken-off piece, for example, the dentist will have to do some drilling.
Once the area is completely dry and clean, the filling can be placed.
If it is a white (composite) filling, the dentist first applies a type of glue.
This makes the filling adhere better.
Then the filling is put into the tooth like a paste and brought into shape.
The filling is hardened with blue light.
Sometimes the dentist has to touch up the filling a little more so that your teeth fit together properly.
After treatment, you can eat and drink right away.
Amalgam is also a soft material that is put into the hole with a kind of gun.
However, this should harden on its own.
Therefore, you cannot eat for a while after the treatment.

Does getting a filling hurt?

If you opt for an anesthetic, you won’t feel anything before the treatment.
However, with a small cavity or if you are not afraid of the dentist, you can also undergo the treatment without anesthesia.
The drilling may be briefly sensitive, but you won’t be left with a numb mouth after the treatment.
After treatment, it may be a little sensitive for 1 to 2 weeks.
This is because a tooth is made up of living material.
By drilling, you basically have a wound in your tooth that takes a while to heal.
If it remains painful or gets worse, call your dentist.