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Dental Filling

Here's What You Need To Know About Repairing A Damaged Tooth And Dental Fillings In Malaysia

Dental Filling

A dental filling is a procedure carried out to repair a tooth damaged by decay or caries. It is necessary to enable the tooth to function normally and maintain its shape.

There are a variety of dental fillings in Malaysia that dentists utilise when treating patients.

The type of tooth filling that’s most suitable for you depends primarily on these factors:

Where the filling is needed.
How much repair is required for the decay.
Your preference for how visible the filling is.

As the term suggests, these fillings are placed directly into your tooth, and may be crafted completely freehand within your mouth.

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What is a Dental Filling?

What is a Dental Filling?

Dental fillings, also known as tooth filling, are artificial restorations which are commonly used to treat and restore a damaged tooth back to its original function and appearance.

Dental fillings are required when there are cavities due to decay of teeth structure or fracture/ chipped tooth. This does not mean that you need to wait until there is a hole before dental fillings are required. There could be some early signs which are alerting you that you may require a tooth filling. Some examples include sensitivity to cold or sweet food, persistent tooth aches , or food getting stuck frequently.

The decay inside the tooth is removed by your dentist, the damaged area is cleaned and the clean cavity is then filled with a filling material.

This is an effective procedure that prevents further decay, as it prevents bacteria from multiplying by filling up the extra space inside the tooth.

Do I Need a Dental Filling?

Do I Need a Dental Filling?

You may consider getting dental fillings Malaysia if you have:

Tooth Decay

One of the most common reasons for needing a filling is tooth decay. You need to remove the decayed portion of your tooth to prevent it from causing further damage (leave this to fester, and you might require invasive treatment such as a root canal treatment or an extraction).

A filling is then placed into the cleaned cavity to seal and protect your remaining tooth and restore its form, shape, and function. If your cavity is considerably large, your dentist may recommend having a crown or onlay.

Chipped or Broken Teeth

Fillings can also be used to repair and protect chipped or broken teeth. Chips or breaks in teeth expose the inner layers of the teeth and can cause plaque and bacteria to build up, which eventually lead to tooth decay.

Worn Teeth

Your teeth can become significantly worn down due to many factors. These include tooth grinding, reflux disease, or an erosive diet to name a few Your dentist can use tooth-coloured composite filling material to rebuild your lost tooth structure and protect your remaining teeth.

Tooth Abnormalities

Specific tooth abnormalities such as minerally-deficient or small teeth can be restored and protected using dental fillings.

Dysfunctional Bite

Fillings can also be added to some of your teeth’s chewing surfaces to even and balance out your bite, making it harmonious and functional.

Types of Dental Fillings

Types of Dental Fillings

Composite Resin

Composite resin filling is a tooth-coloured filling material that is known to be long-lasting, durable, and aesthetic. It tends to be used on your front teeth and in external cavities.

Glass Ionomer

Glass ionomer is also a tooth-coloured filling material. It is used in deep cavities as it has a therapeutic, healing effect, therefore reducing chances of post-operative sensitivity or pain.

X Metal Fillings or Amalgam

All Nuffield Dental Practices are amalgam and mercury-free, in conjunction with our practice of Holistic Dentistry.

Benefits Of Dental Fillings

Preserving tooth structure.
Replacing the damaged part of the tooth helps retain the structure of the tooth.
Halting the progression of decay. Fillings are used to fix small areas of decay and they prevent further deterioration by providing a barrier against harmful bacteria.
Enhances appearance.
Fillings repair a damaged tooth and restores its normal function and appearance.
Cost-efficient.
A filling can usually be placed during a single visit to your dentist and is less costly than dental crowns, which are used to repair larger areas of decay.

Fillings can last upwards of 15 years.Today’s fillings are highly resistant to corrosion.
Fillings can even release fluoride.Some fillings like the glass ionomer variety release fluoride to safeguard the tooth in question from additional decay and damage. This type of filling is commonly used in instances where there is decay beneath the gum line. It can also be used for pediatric patients.
Enhanced tooth functionality.Dental decay has the potential to make chewing quite difficult and painful. Have your decayed teeth filled and you might find eating proves less painful.

What Does the Procedure Involve?

Stage 1: Consultation

Dental Assessment

At your dental check-up, your dentist will thoroughly examine your teeth. You will need to take the necessary X-rays and will be informed about any conditions that require a filling, or if other treatment options such as a crown or onlay would be preferable.

Deciding on a Filling Material

Your filling material will be decided according to your situation and expectations.

Stage 3: Post-Operative Care

After the procedure, your dentist will give you instructions on how to look after your filling and also provide oral hygiene and health advice. Fillings that are done well and looked after meticulously can potentially last many years or even a lifetime.

Stage 2: Placement of Your Filling

Placement of your filling can last from 15 minutes to 1 hour, depending on its size.
You can opt to have local anaesthesia to numb the tooth (especially for larger cavities) to make the procedure painless and comfortable.
Your dentist will gently remove the weakened or decayed parts of the tooth first. The filling is then placed and shaped into your cavity and polished till it is smooth and harmonious with your bite.

Why Choose Nuffield Dental?

Nuffield Dental is a one-stop, multi-disciplinary dental care in Malaysia. At Nuffield, we put you first. We believe in providing personalised service for each patient.

Nuffield Dental is a one-stop, multi-disciplinary dental care centre. Here at Nuffield Dental, we pride ourselves of our personalised oral care for each and every one of our patients. We need to make sure you get all the help you need to make your dental procedures comfortable, accessible and seamless

Our dentists have experience in general dentistry services for 20+ years. We have accredited dental providers who are skilled in the area of dental implant surgery.

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