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Hi David,

What is a Filling?
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A filling is a means to restore and repair a damaged or decayed tooth back to its normal function and shape. Whenever your tooth requires a filling, your dentist will first remove the decayed tooth material, followed by cleaning of the affected area, and will finally fill the cleaned cavity with a filling material.
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A filling not only eliminates the bacteria from the cavity by sealing off the affected area but also helps in prevention of any further decay of the tooth structure.
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What are the various types of fillings?
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There are different kinds of fillings depending on the materials used to cover the defects. Materials used in fillings comprise of gold, composite resin (tooth-colored fillings), porcelain, and amalgam (an alloy of mercury, silver, copper, tin and zinc).
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Which type of filling is best?
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Not any single kind of filling is best for one and all. The choice of filling (or the material) that is right for you will be based on factors like the extent of the damage, whether you have any allergy to a particular material, the area in your mouth where the filling is required, and the cost. Considerations for different materials include:
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1) Gold fillings

?These are created in a laboratory according to each patient and then cemented into appropriate place. Gold inlays are well tolerated by gums (gingiva), and may persist for more than 20 years. For these reasons, many experts view gold as the best filling material. However, it is often the most expensive choice and requires multiple dental visits.
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2) Amalgam (silver) fillings

These are resistant to wear and comparatively inexpensive. However, because of their dark color, they become more evident and prominent as compared to porcelain or composite restorations. For this reason, silver fillings are not used in very visible areas, such as front teeth.
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3) Composite (plastic) resins

These fillings have the same color as your teeth and therefore employed where a natural appearance is needed. The components of composite resins are mixed and placed straight into the cavity, where they get harden with time.
Composites may not be the ideal choice for large defects as they may chip off or wear out over time. These can also get stained from tea, coffee or tobacco, and have less life (usually of 3 to 10 years) than other types of fillings.
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4) Porcelain fillings

They are called inlays or onlays and are produced in a laboratory and then bonded to the tooth. The color of porcelain fillings matches with that of the natural tooth. Unlike composites, porcelain resists staining. A porcelain restoration covers most of the tooth structure, but their cost is comparable to gold fillings.
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If a significant portion of your tooth has got decayed or fractured, which cannot be restored by simple fillings, and then you may need a crown or cap. Likewise, if your tooth decay has reached the nerves, then it may be treated in two ways: either by root canal therapy (in which damaged nerve is removed) or through pulp capping (a procedure that attempts to keep the nerve alive).
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It is therefore highly advisable for you to get the proper filling done in your tooth according to the required need and demand.

Hi David,

On your first visit, the dentist will introduce himself and will inquire about the problems or issues you may have in your teeth and mouth. Your first visit will consist of a comprehensive oral exam and your dentist will try to decipher the reason for your visit to the dental clinic. Firstly, he will take a series of x-rays to get a better understanding of your entire mouth. This will allow him to ensure if you have any bone fractures, tumors, cysts and even sinus issues.

What are the different types of X-rays?

There are three types of X-rays your dentist may recommend:




What is the procedure after having X-rays?






What does the oral examination include?

1) Assessment of your decaying teeth.
Tooth decay is still a big trouble for many people. The cavities in your teeth often start in the deep grooves of the back (posterior) teeth or between the teeth where it is difficult to clean them and also hard to detect. This means when your teeth start paining, the cavity is very close to the nerve and your tooth can have an abscess.
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Old amalgam (silver) fillings deteriorate with time and begin to corrode and turn black. When amalgam restorations do not fit the teeth then bacteria can 'leak' in around the edges of the restorations which lead to further decay of your teeth.
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Infection in the gums cannot be detected just by looking at them. The best way to identify it is by using a measuring stick called as periodontal probe. The probe is used to measure how far below the gum your tooth is attached. Ideally, it should be 1 - 2 mm. If the measurement comes out to be 5mm or more then, it signifies complete bone loss and destruction, and the bone will never grow back.


If detected at an early stage, the pain and swelling associated with tooth abscesses can be avoided. If left unnoticed, these abscesses and cysts will silently eat away your jawbone that holds the teeth within.
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After your oral examination, your teeth cleaning (scaling) may be performed at your first visit or might be scheduled for a follow-up visit depending on the condition of your teeth and gums.

It is generally advised that you use a toothbrush with softer bristles so as to protect your gums. Some people, however, prefer power brush systems that help break up plaque and bacteria in your mouth. But it takes more than brushing to keep your teeth in good health. Some other steps need to be taken to ensure that people do not lose their teeth as they become old.

To begin with, you should understand your own oral health needs, as your oral health depends on your diet, the type and amount of saliva in your mouth, your overall health and your oral hygiene routine. Try to follow a daily routine in consultation with your dentist.

As fluoride strengthens developing teeth in kids and prevents decay in adults, toothpastes and mouthwashes containing fluoride should be used. You should brush at least twice a day, if possible three times or after every meal. You should also floss at least twice a day. Brushing and flossing will remove plaque, a complex mass of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth.

Limit the consumption of snacks and follow a balanced diet plan. Tobacco in any form will enhance the risk of oral cancer and cause stains on your teeth. Visit your dentist regularly and get your mouth examined.

Hi David,

In Dentistry, pain may not be associated to oral diseases only but also to the dental procedures. With regard to procedures, if pain is effectively controlled by local anesthesia, the process will mildly interfere with painful sensitivity. But in most of the cases, as the time passes after the procedure the local anesthesia becomes less effective, and one might feel an unbearable pain afterwards. The dentist usually prescribes pain relievers, or pain killer medications to ease this pain.

Some of the medicines which are good and effective in relieving oral pain are -









The painful dental procedures which require pain reliever medications are:


3) Dental Fillings or Restorations
4) Dental extractions
5) Endodontic treatment (Root Canals)
6) Dental Crowns and Bridges

Here are some tips to get rid of the pain after having a dental treatment -

i) First and foremost is to follow the instructions of your dentist. Take your medications (analgesics and antibiotics) on time and in any case of emergency contact and visit your dentist.

ii) Try to stay away from hot and cold food items or drinks for the time being. Instead have foods at a mild or normal temperature.

iii) ?Warm Salty Water
A mixture of warm water and half a spoon of salt will aid in relieving pain. Do warm saline mouth rinses and any inflammation or swelling will reduce. It also helps in killing of any bacteria or germs present in the mouth.
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iv) Try oral anesthetic gels, pastes or liquids like Orajel, Anbesol. These can also be helpful for reliving mouth pain and toothache.