Plastic fillings

In the course of life, it is almost unavoidable that damage to a tooth will occur at some point. It behaves similarly to a rust spot on the car. Prompt treatment is needed to avoid further problems.

A variety of different materials are available to repair the tooth:

• Precious metal alloys with different gold content
• Plastics in a wide variety of compositions
• Ceramics with different degrees of hardness
• mercury-containing amalgam.

Basically, the patient has the choice of which tooth filling material is used. This depends on various factors. For example, the condition of your tooth, the desired time and costs, the longevity and the aesthetic perception or demand.

Exemplary sequence of a plastic filling (also called composite filling)

At the beginning, the carious tooth substance and any remaining remnants of a previous filling are thoroughly removed. In order for the plastic and the tooth surface to form a good adhesive bond, the tooth must be absolutely dry. Any form of saliva would drastically reduce shelf life.

Therefore, the region to be filled is thoroughly dried by means of air and then usually protected with a rubber blanket (the so-called rubber dam) against the oral cavity.

The filling materials, which are still soft when inserted, are cured after application with a special ultraviolet light. Since the filling materials have the property of shrinking during curing, the entire procedure must be carried out in many small steps. Each time, a small portion of filling material is applied and cured immediately.

This process is repeated until the entire depression is filled. Finally, the bite is checked and the chewing surface is polished.

While plastic is an excellent material in the anterior region and for minor defects, its use can be problematic for large fillings in the posterior region that reach deep into the interdental spaces. Occasionally, there may be sensitivity when biting. Another unsolved problem is the shrinkage of the plastic during curing. For large areas, this effect can lead to microscopically small edge gaps. These can increase in size after a few years and thus open up a chance for new bacteria or caries to penetrate. Another effect is that many plastics can discolor over the years or wear out mechanically when chewing (so-called abrasion).

Advantages of plastic fillings:

• good aesthetics because good color matching
• Care in one session possible
• Relatively inexpensive

Disadvantages of plastic fillings:

• Not long-term resistant for large fillings
• Microcracks may form
• Discoloration and abrasion possible

Alternatively, in the case of larger defects, a restoration by means of ceramic inlay or gold inlay comes into question. We can give you the best decision-making support in an individual consultation.

further information about plastic fillings