Dental decay or cavities affect most people irrespective of age, sex or social background. The following dental information pages answers many of your questions that you have on Dental decay, dental cavities, fillings and dental restorations.

When is it appropriate to fill a cavity?

Although cavities in teeth need not be treated as an emergency, (unless associated with an abscess), they should be filled as early as possible since, decay is a slow progressive process and without many symptoms until the tooth is grossly destroyed. Sometimes even a small spot may show massive destruction below it. Treating the decay at the intial stage helps conserve tooth structure.

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Can any dentist do all types of fillings?

Any dentist can do routine fillings. Badly decayed teeth and root canal treatment are better handled by a dentist specialized in restorative dentistry and endodontics.

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What is a temporary filling?

If the dental decay is close to the pulp a medicated layer of filling is placed over the affected area and a temporary filling is done. Once the pulp heals the temporary restoration is removed and a permanent filling is done.

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What is a permanent filling?

While temporary fillings are meant to last a few months only the permanent fillings last longer. Well made permanent fillings can last decades if not a life time

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Can a filling last lifetime?

A well done permanent filling, with proper maintenance by the patient usually lasts 20-25 years or more.

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Can gold be used as filling material for cavities?

Yes, gold in pure form was one of the oldest materials used in dentistry. Since it is very technique sensitive and better materials have emerged, gold is no longer used routinely. But gold is still used as an alloy or with other metals to fabricate crowns and other prostheses.

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What is silver filling?

Pure silver is mixed with several other metals like copper, tin and mercury to make it into a semisolid form that is packed into the cavity and then allowed to harden. It has been used in dentistry for over 100 years and does function well in the mouth. This type of restorative material is called silver amalgam.

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Is the mercury present in the silver filling poisonous?

No, the mercury when mixed with silver alloy reacts and forms various compounds and only tiny traces are left in the filling. Studies have shown that this tiny trace of free mercury does not leach out and is not harmful to the body.

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Why do silver filling appear grey/ black in colour?

The surface of the silver filling needs to be polished once it is set. Once it is polished the shine of silver is seen. However, most dentists do not do this and hence it appears grey in colour.

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Do silver fillings fracture during the course of usage?

Although they are considered permanent they may fracture in some instances. Fillings that are large in size or old can fracture over a period of time due to heavy biting force. Hence regular monitoring by the patient and check up by the dentist is necessary for long term success.

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Can you fill a cavity with a material that is the same colour as the tooth?

Filling materials are available that are similar in color to tooth colour. These are thus very esthetic in appearance and match the color of the teeth. These filling materials are called composites.

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Can opposing teeth be restored with different type of metals?

Usually the dentist makes sure that opposing teeth are restored using the same material. When dissimilar metals are used on opposing teeth it can result in pain due to generation of galvanic current and also corrode the weaker metal over a period of time