How Do Dental Fillings Work?
Dental fillings work by physically filling in the cavity or damaged area of a tooth, restoring its normal function and structure. When a dentist identifies a cavity, the decayed portion of the tooth is carefully removed to prevent the decay from spreading deeper into the tooth or to adjacent teeth. Once the decay is removed, the cavity is cleaned to eliminate any remaining debris or bacteria. The dentist then fills the cavity with a suitable material, which hardens and bonds to the tooth, effectively sealing off the area from further damage.
The choice of filling material is critical for the effectiveness of the treatment. For example, composite fillings, made from a tooth-colored resin, bond directly to the tooth structure and are ideal for small to medium-sized fillings in visible areas of the mouth. Amalgam fillings, composed of a mixture of metals, are more durable and often used for molars where chewing forces are greater. Once the filling is placed, it restores the tooth's integrity, allowing it to function normally while preventing further decay or damage.
