Conservative Dental Treatment (Filling Applications)

These applications aim to treat the caries that occur in the outer layers of the tooth such as enamel or dentine in the early period to prevent the progression of the caries and to protect the vitality of the tooth. Tooth material losses are treated with aesthetic, functional, and compatible filling of the oral tissues.

The area of application, the chewing forces effective in this area, the patient's aesthetic expectations, and the amount of material loss are of great importance in choosing the type of filling.

Filling Types

1. Amalgam Fillings (Metal Fillings)

These have been the most preferred filling materials for years with their durability and economic nature. Today, due increasing aesthetic demands, rumors about the effects of mercury contained in amalgam on human health, and adhesive systems (tooth-colored fillings), this material is gradually being abandoned. Also, some individuals may have an allergic reaction to the materials contained in amalgam. In fact, the amount of mercury released in the mouth as a result of chewing and grinding is much smaller than the amount taken in water, air, and food. Scientific studies have concluded that mercury is harmless. The amalgam mixture is piled into the cavity prepared by the dentist and the filling hardens in a few hours. The area of amalgam filling should not be used at for at least an hour and care should be taken not to chew hard things in that area in the next 24 hours. After 24 hours, patients should be given a second appointment for polishing. Polishing will reduce corrosion and ensure a smooth surface. As in any filling application, there may be sensitivity to hot-cold for a short time after amalgam fillings.

2. Composite Resins (Tooth-Colored Fillings, Aesthetic Fillings, Adhesive Systems):

These are tooth-colored restorations that are particularly preferred in cases where aesthetics is the priority.  Composite fillings are placed in the prepared cavity, layer by layer, each layer being hardened with a special light. When this is done, composite fillings are shaped and corrected according to the tooth.

Composites can be used not only to restore caries, but also for their cosmetic effects by changing the color and shape of teeth. After treatment, the patient can use their teeth normally.

3. Inlays and Onlays:

Root canal treatment is a partial crown prosthesis that restores the material loss due to factors such as caries and trauma, to complement only the missing parts of the tooth, or in simpler terms, a filling prepared from gold, various alloys, composite, or porcelain, in the laboratory.

In inlays and onlays, as in laminate veneers, the solid part of the tooth is protected in its natural state. Besides, when a large number of fillings are required, after dental preparation and measurement, the porcelain fillings prepared in the laboratory are placed in the second session, saving time. Similarly, preparing the restorations in the laboratory and not in the mouth like in classical fillings ensures perfect harmony.