Dental tissue is not able to repair itself. To eliminate cavities formed in local structures and stop the development of carious processes, it is important to replace natural enamel with artificial substrates. What fillings are best placed on chewing teeth? We will talk about the available options, composition, pros and cons of various products later in our publication.
What are the requirements for seals?
To decide for yourself which seal is better, during the choice of a particular option, you should pay attention to the following points:
- toxicity level;
- resistance to saliva, biologically active components in food;
- preservation of shape, volume, level of abrasion over time;
- susceptibility to staining and discoloration;
- time required for solidification;
- indicators of mechanical strength.
In addition to these factors, other properties of fillings are important to doctors. We are talking about the plasticity of the product, which allows to achieve the optimal shape of the mold. Of importance is the ability of the material to fit snugly against the walls of tooth enamel, and the ease of processing with dental instruments.
Temporary fillings
What seals are better to put? In situations where the tooth is not completely cured and the dentist plans to perform additional actions, temporary remedies come to the rescue. The decision is taken into service if it is necessary for some time to isolate the cavity formed in the structure of enamel.
Before installing a temporary filling, the dentist disinfects and dries the local structures. After high-quality hardening of the material, it is important not to eat food for several hours. After all, quite fragile materials are used here, which can fall out in case of excessive pressure. A temporary seal is left for a period of several days. If during the time allotted by the doctor there is no pain, other symptoms indicating the progress of dental disease, the dentist resorts to permanent filling.
Cement
In search of an answer to the question, which seal is better, it is worth saying a few words about cement options. Not so long ago, such products were successful due to the cheapness and ease of installation. Cement bases solidify well under the influence of chemicals. Increased strength is achieved by passing several hours from the moment of installation.
The following types of cement fillings are distinguished:
- Zinc-phosphate - at first, they are quite high resistance to external influences. Over time, they are able to partially dissolve under the action of biologically active substances in food. The quality of the adherence of the material to tooth enamel is reduced, cracks are formed. Given the noted drawbacks, zinc phosphate fillings are currently used as insulating inserts before installing capital crowns.
- Silicate - products differ in some toxicity. In its structure, it is a fairly hard material; it is well suited for filling frontal teeth. Silicate material is not used for deep filling because it has a negative effect on the pulp.
- Silicate-phosphate - have properties characteristic of the above options. They occupy an intermediate place in dental treatment.
- Polycarbonate - have a low tendency to dissolve. The composition contains fluoride, which protects natural tissues from the progress of caries. They are used to create insulating tabs during the installation of crowns, and are used in filling milk teeth.
Cement fillings have one common drawback. After mixing the basics, the doctor has a few minutes to create the shape of the product. Then the material firmly sets, losing plasticity.
Glass ionomer cements
We continue to figure out which seal is better. Silicate glass acts as a modern version of cements, which hardens under the action of polyacrylic acids. Unlike obsolete cement varieties, the material adheres qualitatively to the walls of the tooth not only mechanically, but also chemically. Due to the reaction, the period of reliable fixation of the product in the enamel cavity is increased.
Glass ionomer fillings are characterized by low toxicity and strength. Hardening of the material in the oral cavity takes a minimum of time. Most often, they resort to the option when it is necessary to fill a milk tooth.
Metal
What fillings are best for teeth? A good economical option is metal products. The basis is a mixture of hardening solution and amalgam. The latter can be copper, silver or gold. Before installing the product, the dentist mixes metal powder and mercury. The finished composition is somewhat toxic. A properly installed seal can withstand mechanical stress for many years.
The obvious minus of the metallic options is the not too aesthetic appearance due to the characteristic luster of the material. If crowns or bridges are present in the oral cavity, the occurrence of the effect of galvanism is likely. It is about carrying out a filling of weak discharges of electric current.
Plastic
Which fillings are best for teeth? Acrylic products have proved to be quite good. The use of material facilitates the selection of the desired shade. Such bases can withstand loads for several years. However, the material has several disadvantages. Microscopic cracks form on the surface of the plastic, where pathogenic bacteria settle. Acrylic can not be used when there are deep carious holes in the structure of the tooth. The color of a filling can change quickly as a result of a person's addiction to smoking and the use of coloring products.
When asked which dental fillings are better, it is better to give preference to plastic products based on epoxy resins. Such options have better performance compared to acrylic polymers. The toxicity level here is much lower. Seals are more durable and less prone to scratching. Hardening occurs under the influence of light. However, due to the insufficiently high strength of the material, they are not suitable for restoration of the front teeth. Epoxy compounds can noticeably darken over the course of several years. Therefore, the installation of such fillings looks like a good solution when restoration of enamel of chewing surfaces in the deep areas of the oral cavity is required.
Photopolymers
Which light seal is better? Compared to plastic products made of epoxy resins, photopolymers are of higher quality. Due to the special plasticity of the material and slow hardening, the dentist has at his disposal enough time to give the tooth the desired shape. Finally, the pasty composition is exposed to ultraviolet radiation. The doctor corrects minor defects on the surface, polishes the material to give a natural shine.
Thinking about which fillings it is better to put on chewing teeth, it is reasonable to make a choice in favor of photopolymers. A wide palette of shades allows you to achieve perfect color matching between the prosthesis and the surrounding natural enamel. The material is non-toxic, has a small degree of shrinkage, is slowly worn away.
Composite
In response to the question of which fillings are best for a chewing tooth, doctors often advise considering the option of installing composites. Such products are a combination of an inorganic filler and an outer layer of an organic monomer. Hardening, as in the case of photopolymers, occurs under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, as well as an activator of a chemical reaction.
Composites have an aesthetic appearance. The doctor does not have difficulty in choosing a shade of fillings for the natural color of the tooth. Products remain resistant to mechanical stress for many years. However, over time, some shrinkage of the seal may be observed.
Ceramic
Which fillings are best for teeth? Ceramic products look the most aesthetic. Due to their high durability, such options are expensive. The elimination of defects occurs in the course of several procedures. First, the dentist performs a cavity in the problem area. Then an impression is created. The gap is closed with a temporary seal. The doctor makes a pad according to the desired parameters. During the next visit to the dental office, a seal is placed on the tooth.
The advantage of ceramic fillings is reliable fixation, the ability to create a relief that will ideally fit the rest of the teeth during grinding. Compared with light polymers and composites, there is a longer service life. If you ask the doctor which seal is better, the dentist will most likely advise the installation of ceramics.
Dental Tips
After installing the seal, there may be a high sensitivity of local tissues, the development of pain, and other discomfort. To avoid such troubles, doctors advise to observe several rules:
- At first, you should resort to slowly chewing food and biting off without extra effort. Otherwise, excessive pressure will be applied to the areas where the seals are installed.
- After dental procedures, it is important to avoid eating a sticky texture. Some fillings are securely fixed only after a few days. Exposure to “sticky” products can provoke product displacement.
- Hot, cold and sweet food increases the sensitivity of tissues in the area of installation of the seal. Refusal of such dishes reduces the likelihood of destruction of the material along the edges of the prosthesis.
- Do not chew solid food for several days after installing the seal. Otherwise, the material that has not had time to gain a foothold may shift.
If, despite the observance of the above rules, the filled teeth remain sensitive for a week, you should re-consult your dentist. Often, minor adjustments are required to eliminate discomfort.
Finally
The choice of a particular filling option depends on the nature of the problem, the indications, requests and wishes of the patient in the dental office, and the requirements of the doctor. Equally important is the cost of the work.
If restoration of the front teeth is required, it is better not to resort to saving by putting ceramics, a modern composite or photopolymer. To achieve high efficiency in the restoration of chewing structures makes it possible to use glass ionomers, plastic and metal options.
Betting on outdated cement solutions is not too smart. Since such materials are destroyed by saliva over time, they are worn down and crumble. According to observations, such fillings serve for a maximum of 2-3 years. Be that as it may, while visiting the dental office it is worth asking the doctor what option is best to give preference in the current situation.