What is Operative Dentistry?
Operative dentistry refers to dental work involving general fillings, complex fillings, and cosmetic fillings such as closing gaps between teeth, slightly reshaping teeth, as well as restoring teeth with inlays, onlays, and crowns.
FAQ
- Can a cracked tooth be filled?
A cracked tooth can be effectively restored with a filling if the cracked area is not too large and is not in a direct chewing force area, with enough tooth structure remaining to hold the filling material. If the cracked area is large, restoration with an inlay, onlay, or crown may be recommended instead. - Can a fractured tooth be filled?
Generally, effective restoration of a fractured tooth is done with materials stronger than regular filling materials and covers the entire chewing surface of the tooth, such as onlays or crowns. Root canal treatment may also be necessary if the fracture extends deep into the pulp chamber. - Can gaps between teeth be filled?
Gaps between teeth can be closed with filling materials without any tooth reduction. It is recommended to see a dentist to assess the size and number of gaps and the alignment of teeth to plan appropriate treatment for each case.
- What causes pain in a previously filled tooth?
Pain may be caused by additional decay or the old filling being deep near the pulp chamber. If there is tooth pain, you should see a dentist as root canal treatment may be necessary. - Can tooth sensitivity occur after filling, and what causes it?
Tooth sensitivity after filling can occur, especially if the filling is large. Sensitivity may happen when chewing hard or sticky foods. In this case, avoid hard or sticky foods or consider restoration with an onlay or crown. If sensitivity occurs every time you chew after filling, it is recommended to return to the dentist. - How should I care for my teeth after filling?
For tooth-colored fillings, you can chew immediately after filling as the material is fully hardened by light curing. For amalgam fillings, avoid chewing on the filled side for 24 hours and return to the dentist for polishing. You can brush and floss normally. - What should I do if a filling falls out? It is recommended to see a dentist as soon as possible for repair. Until then, maintain oral hygiene by brushing with fluoride toothpaste and flossing regularly. Avoid hard or sticky foods to prevent further damage to the tooth structure.
- What are inlays and onlays, and how do they differ from regular fillings? Inlays and onlays are effective restorations for teeth with significant loss of structure due to fracture or extensive decay. They use materials stronger than regular fillings, commonly dental ceramics and dental metals, bonded to the tooth structure with dental cement.
- How long do filling materials last?
The lifespan of filling materials depends on many factors such as the size of the filling, bite characteristics, individual chewing habits, types of food consumed, and the method and force used in cleaning teeth. These factors may cause wear or fracture of the filling, shortening its lifespan. Tooth-colored fillings may also darken depending on drinking and eating habits involving dark-colored substances.
Dr. Nattha Thararatsathit
Specialist in Operative Dentistry
Dental Center, Phyathai 2 Hospital
