Dental caries (tooth decay) is one of the most common dental conditions, affecting a large percentage of the global population.
It is caused by oral bacteria that metabolise carbohydrates (such as sugars) from our diet. During this metabolic process, acids are produced that attack the hard tissues of the teeth (enamel and dentin), leading to their gradual destruction. As a result, a cavity forms and continues to expand if left untreated.
If the decay has not reached the dental pulp, a dental filling is usually sufficient to treat tooth decay. The filling restores the damaged parts of the tooth and helps prevent further progression of the condition.
Dental fillings are performed using two main types of materials: amalgam and composite resin.
Amalgam Fillings
Dental amalgam is an alloy composed of various metals, including zinc, copper, tin and silver, combined with mercury. These fillings are mechanically retained by the tooth structure and do not form chemical bonds with it.
Although amalgam offers excellent resistance to chewing forces, it requires specific tooth preparation. In many cases, healthy tooth structure must be removed in order to achieve adequate retention. For this reason, amalgam fillings are now used in limited and specific cases.
Composite Resin Fillings
Composite resin is a high-aesthetic polymer material that closely mimics the natural colour of the tooth. With modern, next-generation composite resins, resistance to chewing forces is comparable to or even greater than that of amalgam.
Composite resins form a chemical bond with the tooth during the bonding process, eliminating the need for additional removal of healthy tooth structure. This makes them a more conservative and aesthetically pleasing option.
Dental fillings are performed under local anesthesia. The decayed tooth structure is carefully removed, and the remaining area is thoroughly cleaned. The filling material is then placed to fully replace the affected parts of the tooth, restoring both its anatomy and function.
