A dental filling is one of the most common and important procedures in all of dentistry. It is a restorative treatment used to repair a tooth that has been damaged by decay, allowing it to be returned to its normal shape, function, and strength. At İnci Diş, we have moved far beyond the conspicuous silver amalgam fillings of the past. We exclusively use modern, tooth-coloured composite resins for our dental fillings. This advanced material not only allows us to repair cavities in a way that is virtually invisible, but its properties also enable us to perform a more conservative procedure that preserves more of your healthy, natural tooth structure. Our philosophy is that even a simple filling should be a work of art that enhances both the health and the beauty of your smile.
What Is a Cavity and Why Do We Need Fillings?
A cavity, known clinically as dental caries, is a small hole that forms in a tooth. It is the result of tooth decay, a process that occurs over time. When you consume sugary or starchy foods, the bacteria in the plaque on your teeth feed on these sugars and produce acids. These acids attack and break down the hard outer layer of your tooth, the enamel. If this process is allowed to continue, it creates a cavity.
A filling is necessary to stop the decay from progressing further into the tooth, where it could eventually reach the nerve and cause a painful infection requiring a root canal treatment. The filling procedure involves carefully removing the decayed portion of the tooth, cleaning the affected area, and then filling the cleaned-out cavity with a durable restorative material. This restores the tooth's integrity, prevents further damage, and eliminates sensitivity.
The Modern Choice: Tooth-Coloured Composite Fillings
At İnci Diş, we are committed to using materials that are safe, effective, and beautiful. That's why we exclusively use composite resin for our dental fillings. This material is a sophisticated blend of tooth-coloured plastic and glass particles that offers significant advantages over old-fashioned silver (amalgam) fillings.
- Superior Aesthetics: The most obvious benefit is appearance. Composite resin comes in a wide range of shades, allowing our dentists to choose one that perfectly matches the natural colour of your tooth. Once placed and polished, the filling is virtually undetectable, making it the ideal choice for any tooth in the mouth, including highly visible front teeth.
- Conservative Tooth Preparation: Composite fillings are chemically bonded directly to the tooth structure. This means we only need to remove the decayed portion of the tooth. In contrast, silver amalgam fillings are not bonded and require the dentist to create mechanical undercuts, often removing healthy tooth structure to lock the filling in place. The composite approach is therefore more conservative and better for the long-term health of the tooth.
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Strong and Durable Seal: The direct bonding process creates a tight seal between the filling and the tooth, which helps to prevent bacteria and fluids from leaking underneath the restoration. This reduces the risk of recurrent decay and helps to insulate the tooth from temperature changes.
- Mercury-Free and Biocompatible: Unlike amalgam fillings, which contain approximately 50% mercury, composite fillings are completely mercury-free. This makes them a safer, more biocompatible choice for our health-conscious patients.
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Versatility: The same composite material used for fillings can also be used for a cosmetic procedure called dental bonding, where it can be skillfully applied to repair chips, close small gaps, or improve the shape of a tooth.
The Dental Filling Procedure: A Simple and Comfortable Visit
Getting a dental filling at our Istanbul clinic is a quick, straightforward, and painless process.
- Anesthesia and Comfort: First, your dentist will ensure you are completely comfortable by applying a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and the surrounding area.
- Removing the Decay: Once the area is numb, the dentist will use precise instruments to gently remove all the decayed tooth structure, leaving a clean and healthy surface.
- Bonding and Placement: The tooth is then prepared with a special etching gel that microscopically roughens the surface to create a strong bond. A bonding agent is applied, followed by the composite resin material, which is placed in layers.
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Curing with a Special Light: Each layer of composite is hardened, or "cured," in just a few seconds using a high-intensity blue curing light.
- Shaping and Polishing: After the final layer is placed and hardened, your dentist will skillfully shape and contour the composite to restore the tooth's natural anatomy and ensure your bite is correct. The filling is then polished to a smooth, lustrous finish that blends seamlessly with your tooth.
Replacing Old Metal Fillings with Modern Composite
Many patients choose to replace their old, dark amalgam fillings with new, tooth-coloured composite restorations. The reasons for this are often twofold:
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Aesthetic Improvement: Replacing dark fillings, especially in visible teeth, can instantly brighten a smile and provide a significant cosmetic enhancement.
- Structural Integrity: Over many years, old amalgam fillings can expand and contract with temperature changes at a different rate than the natural tooth, which can cause micro-fractures in the tooth structure. If we detect that an old filling is failing, leaking, or has decay around it, we will recommend replacing it to protect the long-term health of the tooth. Our team can safely remove old amalgam fillings and replace them with beautiful, durable composite restorations.
Beyond Fillings: When Is an Inlay or Onlay a Better Option?
Our commitment to conservative, high-quality dentistry means we always recommend the best possible solution for each unique situation. For small to moderate cavities, a direct composite filling is an excellent choice. However, when a cavity is very large and a significant portion of the tooth's chewing surface is compromised, a direct filling may not be strong enough to withstand biting forces over the long term. In these cases, our dentists will recommend a stronger, more durable, lab-fabricated restoration, such as a ceramic Inlay or Onlay. This approach ensures the best possible longevity and protection for a heavily restored tooth.