Dental tissues are not capable of self-repair. To eliminate the cavities formed in local structures and stop the development of carious processes, it is important to replace the natural enamel with artificial bases. What fillings are best for chewing teeth? We will talk about the available options, composition, pros and cons of various products later in our publication.
What are the requirements for fillings?
To decide for yourself which filling is better, when choosing one or another option, you should pay attention to the following points:
- toxicity level;
- resistance to the action of saliva, biologically active components in the composition of food;
- maintaining shape, volume, abrasion level over time;
- susceptibility to staining and discoloration;
- the time it takes for qualityhardening;
- mechanical strength indicators.
In addition to these factors, other properties of fillings are important to doctors. We are talking about the plasticity of the product, which allows you to achieve the optimal shape of the cast. What matters is the ability of the material to fit snugly against the walls of the tooth enamel, ease of processing with dental instruments.
Temporary fillings
Which fillings are best? In situations where the tooth is not completely cured and the dentist plans to perform additional actions, temporary funds come to the rescue. The solution is adopted if it is necessary to isolate the cavity formed in the enamel structure for some time.
Before installing a temporary filling, the dentist disinfects and dries the local structures. After a qualitative hardening of the material, it is important not to eat for several hours. After all, rather fragile materials are used here that can fall out in case of excessive pressure. A temporary filling is left for a period of several days. If pain does not occur within the time period allotted by the doctor, other symptoms indicating the progress of dental disease, the dentist resorts to permanent filling.
Cement
In search of an answer to the question of which filling is better, it is worth saying a few words about cement options. Not so long ago, such products were successful due to their low cost and ease of installation. Cement bases harden well underinfluence of chemicals. Increased strength is achieved after several hours of installation.
The following types of cement fillings are distinguished:
- Zinc-phosphate - at first, they are quite resistant to external influences. Over time, they are able to partially dissolve under the action of biologically active substances in the composition of food. The quality of the fit of the material to the tooth enamel decreases, cracks form. Given the shortcomings noted, zinc-phosphate fillings are currently used as insulating inlays before installing capital crowns.
- Silicate - products are somewhat toxic. By its structure, it is a fairly solid material, it is well suited for filling frontal teeth. For deep filling, silicate material is not used because it has a negative effect on the pulp.
- Silicate-phosphate - have properties characteristic of the above options. Occupy an intermediate position in dental treatment.
- Polycarbonate - have a low tendency to dissolution. The composition contains fluorine, which protects natural tissues from the progress of caries. Used to create insulating tabs during the installation of crowns, are used in filling milk teeth.
Cement fillings have one common drawback. After mixing the base, the doctor has a few minutes to create the shape of the product. Then the material firmly seizes, losing plasticity.
Glass ionomer cements
We continue to figure out which filling is better. A modern version of cements is silicate glass, which hardens under the action of polyacrylic acids. Unlike outdated versions of cements, the material adheres qualitatively to the walls of the tooth not only mechanically, but also chemically. Due to the reaction, the period of reliable fixation of the product in the enamel cavity increases.
Glass ionomer fillings are characterized by low toxicity and durability. Hardening of the material in the oral cavity takes a minimum of time. Most often, the option is resorted to when it is necessary to fill a milk tooth.
Metal
Which fillings are best for teeth? Metal products look like a good economical option. The basis is a mixture of hardening solution and amalgam. The latter can be copper, silver or gold. Before installing the product, the dentist mixes metal powder and mercury. The finished composition is somewhat toxic. A properly installed seal is able to withstand mechanical stress for many years.
The obvious disadvantage of metal options is not very aesthetic appearance due to the characteristic luster of the material. If there are crowns or bridges in the oral cavity, the effect of galvanism is likely to occur. We are talking about holding a seal of weak discharges of electric current.
Plastic
Which filling is best for teeth? Proved wellacrylic products. The use of material facilitates the selection of the desired shade. Such foundations are able to withstand loads for several years. However, the material has several disadvantages. Microscopic cracks form on the surface of the plastic, where pathogenic bacteria settle. Acrylic cannot be used when there are deep carious holes in the tooth structure. The color of the filling can quickly change as a result of a person's addiction to smoking and the use of coloring products.
When asked which dental fillings are better, it is better to give preference to plastic products based on epoxy resins. Such options have better performance properties compared to acrylic polymers. The level of toxicity is much lower here. The fillings are more durable and less prone to scratches. Solidification occurs under the action of light. However, due to the insufficiently high strength of the material, they are not suitable for the restoration of anterior teeth. Epoxy compounds can noticeably darken after several years. Therefore, the installation of such fillings looks like a good solution when it is necessary to restore the enamel of chewing surfaces in the deep areas of the oral cavity.
Photopolymers
Which light filling is better? Compared to plastic products made from epoxy resins, photopolymers are of higher quality. Due to the special plasticity of the material and slow hardening, the dentist has enough time at his disposal to give the tooth the desired shape. In conclusion onpaste composition is exposed to ultraviolet radiation. The doctor corrects minor defects on the surface, polishes the material to give it a natural shine.
Thinking about which fillings are better to put on chewing teeth, it is reasonable to make a choice in favor of photopolymers. A wide palette of shades allows you to achieve a perfect color match between the prosthesis and the surrounding natural enamel. The material is non-toxic, has a small degree of shrinkage, wears slowly.
Composite
In response to the question of which filling is better for a chewing tooth, doctors often advise considering the option of installing composites. Such products are a combination of an inorganic filler and an outer layer of organic monomer. Curing, as in the case of photopolymers, occurs under the influence of ultraviolet light, as well as an activator of a chemical reaction.
Composites have an aesthetic appearance. The doctor has no difficulty in selecting the shade of the filling to match the natural color of the tooth. Products remain resistant to mechanical stress for many years. However, some shrinkage of the filling may occur over time.
Ceramic
Which filling is best for teeth? Ceramic products look the most aesthetically pleasing. Due to the highest durability, such options are expensive. Elimination of defects occurs in the course of several procedures. First, the dentist performs a cavity in the problem area. Then a mold is created. The hole is filled with a temporary filling. Doctormanufactures the overlay according to the required parameters. During the next visit to the dental office, the filling is placed on the tooth.
The advantage of ceramic fillings is reliable fixation, the ability to create a relief that will perfectly match the rest of the teeth during grinding. Compared to light polymers and composites, there is a longer service life. If you ask the doctor which filling is best, the dentist will most likely advise the installation of ceramics.
Dental Tips
After installing the filling, there may be a high sensitivity of local tissues, the development of pain, and other discomfort. To avoid such troubles, doctors advise you to follow a few rules:
- At first, you should resort to chewing food slowly and biting off effortlessly. Otherwise, excessive pressure will be applied to the area where the fillings are placed.
- It is important to avoid sticky foods after dental procedures. Some fillings are securely fixed only after a few days. Exposure to "sticky" products can cause the product to move.
- Hot, cold and sweet food increases the sensitivity of tissues in the area of the filling. Refusal of such dishes reduces the likelihood of destruction of the material along the edges of the prosthesis.
- Don't chew hard food for several days after a filling has been placed. Otherwise, the material that has not had time to fix itself qualitatively may shift.
If, despite complianceof the above rules, filled teeth remain sensitive for a week, it is worth re-seeking a dentist for advice. Often, minor adjustments are required to eliminate discomfort.
In closing
The choice of a certain filling option depends on the nature of the problem, indications, requests and wishes of the patient of the dental office, and the requirements of the doctor. Equally important is the cost of doing the work.
If restoration of the front teeth is required, it is better not to resort to savings by placing ceramics, a modern composite or a photopolymer. Achieving high efficiency in the restoration of masticatory structures makes it possible to use glass ionomers, plastic and metal options.
Betting on outdated cement solutions is not very wise. Since such materials are destroyed by saliva over time, they wear out and crumble. According to observations, such fillings serve for a maximum of 2-3 years. Be that as it may, during a visit to the dental office, you should ask the doctor which option is better to give preference to in the current situation.
