We replaced the amalgam filling in the first photo with a composite filling. In the photo on the right, you can see the difference between an old composite filling with a broken connection to the tooth on the right and the composite filling we made on the left.
COMPOSITE FILLING RESTORATIONS
The health and satisfaction of our patients is very important to us. We adopt the “Biomimetic Approach” in our treatments. This approach aims to restore the tooth’s former form and function by using materials and techniques suitable for the natural structure of the tooth, preserving the natural tooth structure as much as possible. These procedures require both a long time and meticulous steps. From time to time, our patients may ask questions about why our fillings take so long. For this, my colleague Dt. Senanur Aymak prepared a mini guide explaining a composite filling process.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Field Of Vision
Usage Of Dental Loupe
We use special loupes with high magnification to clearly see the tooth’s smallest details.
Dt. Senanur Aymak
Isolation
Rubber Dam
We isolate entirely the tooth with a blue rubber cover called “Rubber Dam” and focus only on the area where we will work.
The most important thing here is to completely prevent the filling from contacting saliva and blood. This is a critical step for the longevity of the filling. Another advantage is that nothing gets into the patient’s mouth while we are working. So you can swallow easily under this cover.
Archive
Photographing
We photograph the procedure stages (with the permission of our patients) to present the treatment process transparently and to create an archive. This makes it easier for us to follow and manage the treatment process.
Dt. Senanur Aymak
Cleaning
Caries Detecting Dyeing
During caries cleaning, we remove infected tissues. To guarantee this, we use caries dyeing agents. These agents clearly show the difference between healthy tissues and decayed areas. This helps us remove decay ordinarily invisible to the naked eye and preserve healthy tooth structure as much as possible.
Solid Surface
Preparation of The Tooth Surface
For the filling to be long-lasting, we need to perform several procedures on the tooth surface. First, by air polishing with aluminium oxide, we completely clean the tooth surface from residues, roughen it, and create a more suitable environment for the acid application. The acid application we make afterwards increases the roughness on the surface and creates a suitable environment for better spreading of the binder to be applied. We wash the acid abundantly and apply chlorhexidine, an antibacterial solution.
Dt. Senanur Aymak
Strong and Secure Bonding
Primer & Bond
These substances are essential for the strong bonding of the filling material to the tooth and a long-lasting seal. Primer is a preparation material applied to the surface, which ensures a strong bond of the bonding material to the tooth. Bond is the adhesive that bonds the composite filling material to the tooth.
Clearfil SE Bond, which we use in the clinic, is considered the gold standard because of its high bonding values to dentin. It is widely preferred, especially in biomimetic dentistry applications.
Layer-by-Layer Application of the Filling
The composite filling material undergoes polymerization shrinkage during irradiation-hardening. During the transformation of monomers into polymers, volume loss occurs due to the tightening of the bonds between the molecules. In other words, it shrinks in size. A mismatch due to this shrinkage occurs in fillings placed in one piece or large pieces. Therefore, we apply the filling layer by layer in small pieces. Each layer is hardened with a unique light device to ensure the filling adapts to the natural tooth structure.
Dt. Senanur Aymak
Dt. Senanur Aymak
Aesthetics
Closest to natural… This is one of the most important goals of this approach. By shaping the filling according to the natural morphology, we achieve both an aesthetically satisfying and functional result. But let’s not forget that dental health is not only an aesthetic issue but also a vital investment for our general health. Quality and long-lasting filling are much more valuable options than short-term solutions.
