FILLINGS FOR DECAYED TEETH

Tooth Decay is a common problem in all standards of people. It is mainly because of morphological nature of tooth surface with many grooves, pits etc on the surface of the tooth. These act as catch pits of food and if not cleaned  properly, lead to tooth decay. Though it is more controlled by hereditary, it can be controlled by local brushing. Early detection is important. The only remedy  in early stages is filling. This tells you the type of filling required at different levels of decay.

Stage I : Here the decay is in outer layer of tooth (enamel). This is very far away from inner nerves and blood vessels. Hence any type of filling which does not expand or shrink and which makes tight contact with tooth surface ( to prevent leakage) will work.

Stage II :Here the decay has entered the second layer of tooth (dentine). This is little sensitive zone. As the depth increases, the sensitivity increases.  So, the fillings in this stage should be a non-conductor of hot and cold. Or there should be a non - conductive material coat on inner aspect first and any other filling on outer layers. This would not allow the hot and cold transmission to inner nerves through filling.

StageIII : Here the decay process crosses the inner layer and reaches the blood vessels and nerves. Procedures like  pulpotomy are available. But success rate differs. The common treatment is ROOT CANAL TREATMENT (RCT), where the total pulp is removed and the chamber is filled with medicated sealents like guttapercha etc.