Dental Restorations
A dental restoration or dental filling is a dental restorative material used to restore the function, integrity and anatomy of missing tooth structure. The structural loss typically results from caries (also known as a cavity) or external trauma. It is also lost intentionally during tooth preparation to improve the aesthetics or the physical integrity of the intended restorative material.
Tooth preparation
Tooth #3 (as in picture), the upper right first molar, with the beginning of an MO preparation. Looking into the preparation, the white, outer enamel appears intact, while the yellow, underlying dentin appears recessed. This is because the dentin was decayed and was thus removed. This portion of the enamel is now unsupported, and should be removed to prevent future fracture.
Restoring a tooth to good form and function requires two steps, (1) preparing the tooth for placement of restorative material or materials, and (2) placement of restorative material or materials.
The process of preparation usually involves cutting the tooth with special dental burrs, to make space for the planned restorative materials, and to remove any dental decay or portions of the tooth that are structurally unsound. If permanent restoration can not be carried out immediately after tooth preparation, temporary restoration may be performed
Materials used in Restorations
Amalgam
Composites or "Tooth Colored" material
Dental composites, also called tooth colored fillings, are a group of restorative materials used in dentistry. As with other composite materials, a dental composite typically consists of a resin-based matrix, like urethane dimethacrylate and an inorganic filler such as silica. Compositions vary widely, with proprietary mixes of resins forming the matrix, as well as engineered filler glasses and glass ceramics. The filler gives the composite wear resistance and translucency. A coupling agent such as silane is used to enhance the bond between these two components. An initiator package begins the polymerization reaction of the resins when external energy (light/heat, etc.) is applied. A catalyst package can control its speed.
After tooth preparation, a thin primer or bonding agent is used. Modern photo-polymerised composites are applied and cured in relatively thin layers as determined by their opacity.[4] After some curing, the final surface will be shaped and polished.
- Silver amalgam (Consists of mercury (50%), silver (~22-32% ), tin (~14%), copper (~8%), and other trace metals)
Composites or "Tooth Colored" material
Dental composites, also called tooth colored fillings, are a group of restorative materials used in dentistry. As with other composite materials, a dental composite typically consists of a resin-based matrix, like urethane dimethacrylate and an inorganic filler such as silica. Compositions vary widely, with proprietary mixes of resins forming the matrix, as well as engineered filler glasses and glass ceramics. The filler gives the composite wear resistance and translucency. A coupling agent such as silane is used to enhance the bond between these two components. An initiator package begins the polymerization reaction of the resins when external energy (light/heat, etc.) is applied. A catalyst package can control its speed.
After tooth preparation, a thin primer or bonding agent is used. Modern photo-polymerised composites are applied and cured in relatively thin layers as determined by their opacity.[4] After some curing, the final surface will be shaped and polished.