Dental Filling in Bengaluru
Dental fillings are a common restorative procedure used to repair damaged or decayed teeth. This treatment involves removing the decayed portion of the tooth and filling it with a suitable material, restoring the tooth's structure and function. In a city like Bengaluru, where lifestyle factors can lead to increased dental issues, understanding the importance of dental fillings is essential for maintaining oral health.
Why Dental Fillings Are Essential
Bengaluru is a vibrant city known for its fast-paced lifestyle and diverse population. However, several factors contribute to dental problems that necessitate fillings:
- Dietary Habits: The consumption of sugary and sticky foods, such as eclairs and toffees, along with carbonated beverages like cola and Pepsi, as well as acidic drinks such as lemon juice and orange juice, is common. This dietary pattern can significantly contribute to the development of cavities and tooth decay.
- Water Quality: Issues with water quality may contribute to enamel erosion, pitting and other dental problems.
- Stress: Hectic lifestyle in Bengaluru can often lead to neglect of oral hygiene, which may contribute to habits like teeth grinding (bruxism). This can result in tooth fractures and increased sensitivity.
- Pregnancy: lead to tooth decay due to hormonal changes, morning sickness exposing teeth to acid, cravings for sugary foods, and fatigue causing neglected oral hygiene.
Given these challenges, many individuals in Bengaluru require dental fillings to address cavities, fractures, and other dental issues effectively
What Conditions Require Dental Fillings? Key Issues Explained
Dental fillings are designed to address various dental problems:
- Cavities: Bacteria can erode enamel, creating holes in the teeth that need filling.
- Fractures: Teeth may fracture due to trauma, grinding, or biting down on hard objects.
- Sensitivity: Enamel erosion can lead to heightened sensitivity in affected teeth.
- Gaps or Irregularities: Small gaps or surface irregularities can be smoothed out with fillings.
- Post-Root Canal Support: Fillings help restore structural integrity after a root canal procedure.
- Discoloration: Fillings can also address cosmetic concerns related to tooth discoloration.
The Importance of Dental Fillings: Benefits & Protection
Repairs Damaged or Decayed Teeth
Fillings effectively restore the structure of damaged or decayed teeth, allowing them to function normally again.
Stops Cavities from Progressing
By sealing the damaged area, fillings prevent bacteria from entering the tooth and stop the progression of cavities.
Aesthetic Improvement
Tooth-colored composite fillings blend seamlessly with natural teeth, enhancing your smile’s appearance.
Long-Lasting Solution
Modern composite fillings are durable and can last many years with proper oral hygiene and care.
Prevents Tooth Loss
By treating cavities early with fillings, you can avoid severe decay that might require tooth extraction.
Quick and Painless Procedure
When decay is treated early, dental fillings are typically pain-free due to local anesthesia.
Cost-Effective Treatment
Fillings are less expensive compared to more advanced treatments like crowns, root canals, or extractions.
Avoiding Root Canal Treatment
Here at Hashtag Smile, we avoid RCT. Pulp capping procedures that can be performed to protect the pulp from exposure and avoid root canal procedures.
Types of Caries
Understanding the types of caries helps in determining the appropriate treatment:
Feature | Soft Caries (Infected Dentin) | Hard Caries (Affected Dentin) |
Texture | Soft, mushy | Hard, dry, firm |
Progression | Actively spreading | Inactive or arrested |
Color | Light brown or yellowish | Dark brown or black |
Pain | It may cause pain or sensitivity | Typically painless |
Treatment Need | Immediate intervention required | Monitoring or preservation |
Avoiding Root Canals in Bengaluru: Expert Dental Tips
Two primary methods help prevent the need for root canal treatment:
Teeth Filling
- Purpose: Repairs tooth decay or minor damage.
- Extent of Damage: Suitable for minor decay or cracks not approaching the dental pulp.
- Procedure Depth: Focuses on the tooth’s surface.
- Materials Used: Composite resin, amalgam, etc.
- Follow-Up: Regular oral hygiene is necessary.
Pulp Capping
- Purpose: Protects and preserves tooth pulp when decay is close to the pulp.
- Extent of Damage: Used for deep decay or when there is a risk of pulp exposure.
- Procedure Depth: Involves deeper layers near the pulp.
- Materials Used: Calcium hydroxide, MTA (Mineral Trioxide Aggregate), protective base materials.
- Follow-Up: Requires monitoring for pulp healing.
Dental Filling Procedure
The dental filling procedure typically involves several steps:
First Consultation:
- The dentist examines the tooth and may take X-rays to assess the extent of decay or damage.
- A pulp test may be performed to determine sensitivity levels.
Treatment Plan:
- Based on the diagnosis, the dentist discusses whether a normal filling, pulp capping, or root canal treatment is required.
Preparation:
- If root canal treatment is not necessary and if the patient experiences severe pain or sensitivity, local anesthesia will be administered.
- The dentist removes the decay using an airotor along with caries detecting dye and probes to analyze the extent of decay that needs to be removed.
Pulp Capping (if needed):
- If decay is close to the pulp, pulp capping materials to avoid RCT will be used to protect it from further damage.
Filling Placement:
- Retainers and matrices are used to separate each tooth properly.
- Composite resin material is applied in layers; each layer is cured using a special light for hardening.
- The filling is smoothed and polished to ensure it blends naturally with surrounding teeth.
Equipment and Facilities
At our clinic in Bengaluru, we prioritize patient comfort and safety with state-of-the-art equipment:
- Sterile Environment: A clean workspace minimizes infection risks.
- X-Ray Machine: Captures images of tooth structure for diagnosing underlying decay.
- Anesthetic Instruments: Administer local anesthesia effectively.
- Dental Drill/Handpiece: High-speed and low-speed drills for removing decayed material.
- Spoon Excavator: Hand tool for manually removing soft decay.
- Composite Placement Instruments: For placing and shaping composite resin accurately.
- Bonding and Curing Equipment: Gold standard etching and bonding materials for optimal adhesion.
- Finishing and Polishing Instruments: For polishing fillings to reduce food getting stuck.
Costs of Dental Fillings
In Bengaluru, dental filling costs typically range as follows:
- Composite Filling: ₹2,000
- Pulp Capping: ₹5,000
These costs make dental fillings an accessible option for many individuals seeking restorative dental care.
Meet Our Doctor
Dr. Sreelakshmi E U
Dr. Sreelakshmi E U is a highly skilled dentist specializing in restorative dentistry, with extensive experience in providing high-quality dental fillings tailored to individual patient needs. She utilizes gold-standard dental materials and adheres to strict protocols for each case, ensuring optimal outcomes. With a deep understanding of biomimetic dentistry, Dr. Sreelakshmi emphasizes a minimal and conservative treatment approach that prioritizes the conservation of natural tooth structure. Her expertise in adhesive dentistry allows her to create restorations that not only restore function but also mimic the natural appearance of teeth, making the preservation of dental health her top priority.