Thedental filling is one of the most common and most performed treatments in dentistry. Yet many patients do not know exactly what it is, how it works, how hard and when it is really necessary. It is a conservative restoration that allows to eliminate the caryated or damaged tissue from a tooth and restore its shape, function and structural integrity with biocompatible materials, without having to resort to more invasive treatments such as devitalization or extraction.

Intervention early with a shutter — when caries are still in the initial or intermediate stage — is the most advantageous clinical choice: treatment is quick, painless, economical and preserves as much as possible of healthy dental tissue. Referring, on the contrary, turns a simple problem into something more complex and expensive.

At the Studio Odontoiatrico Stere di Lecce, the fillings are performed with latest generation aesthetic composite materials, selected for biocompatibility, resistance and color integration with the natural color of the tooth. The Dr. Nicolò Stefanelli, Dr. Rosanna Renò and the team of the study accompany the patients of Lecce, Salento and all of Puglia towards precise and lasting treatments, in Via Giovanni Boccaccio 19 C/D/E, Lecce.

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What is dental filling

Thedental filling — also called direct reconstruction or conservative restoration — is a clinical procedure that consists in the removal of the tooth or damaged dental tissue and in its restoration with a material that reproduces the original shape of the tooth. The goal is to eliminate the cause of the problem, seal the cavity to prevent bacterial progression and return to the tooth its chewing function and its structural integrity.

The most used material today in conservative dentistry is the composite — a polymer resin reinforced with ceramic particles or glass that offers a very natural aesthetic, good mechanical resistance and excellent biocompatibility. The composite is applied to layers, photopolymerized with a specific light and finished to obtain a smooth and integrated surface with the natural tooth.

According to dataHigher Institute of HealthDental caries is the most widespread chronic disease globally and affects people of all ages. Premature filling remains the most effective tool to stop the progression of caries and preserve the natural tooth in the long term.

Composite and amalgam filling

For many years the fillings were performed with theamalgam — a metal alloy containing mercury, silver, tin and copper — appreciated for its mechanical resistance but aesthetically not pleasant for the gray-metallic color. Today the aesthetic composite has replaced the amalgam in the vast majority of cases, offering superior aesthetic results, excellent biocompatibility and the possibility to remove less healthy dental tissue during cavity preparation.

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When a dental filling is required

The filling is indicated in all situations where the tooth has a cavity or structural damage that cannot be handled with non-invasive treatments such as remineralization.

Initial and intermediate loads

The caries that exceeded the initial stage of the white stain and created a cavity in the enamel or dentine requires a direct restoration. Intervention at this stage is clinically simple: the cavity is contained, the tissue to be removed is limited and the result is long lasting. Learn more about the page dedicated to dental caries in Lecce.

Fracture or splinter of the tooth

A skewed or fractured tooth — for trauma, bite something hard or bruxism — can be restored with a composite filling if the fracture is limited to the coronal portion and does not involve the dental pulp. The composite is shaped to reproduce the original tooth shape accurately and aesthetically.

Replacement of old fillings

The fillings in amalgam or old composite can deteriorate over time, lose adherence to the tooth, develop micro-infiltrations or chip. When restoration is no longer intact or aesthetic, it can be replaced with a new composite filling of the latest generation.

Dental erosion or abrasion

In cases of loss of enamel caused by acid erosion, incorrect brushing abrasion or bruxism, the composite can be used to restore damaged dental surfaces and protect the tooth exposed by sensitivity. Learn more about the page dedicated to Dental sensitivity to Lecce.

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How to perform dental filling

The path of dental filling is structured in precise stages, performed in a single session in the vast majority of cases.

Local anesthesia

Before starting any procedure, the tooth and surrounding tissues are anesthetized with local anesthesia. The treatment is completely painless during execution. The dental firm Stere uses preliminary topical anesthesia techniques to make the injection as comfortable as possible.

Removing caryalty tissue

The tooth tissue is removed with precision rotary instrumentation, respecting the residual healthy tissue. The biomimetic approach of Dr. Nicolò Stefanelli favours the preservation of the natural dental tissue, intervening only where strictly necessary.

Preparation and conditioning of the cavity

Before the application of the composite, the cavity is conditioned with specific adhesive agents that ensure optimal adherence of the material from restoration to the dental walls, reducing the risk of micro-infiltrations and relapses of cavities.

Application of composite and photopolymerization

The composite is applied to later layers, each photopolymerized with a blue light lamp. The incremental technique reduces the contraction from polymerization and guarantees a more stable and lasting restoration. The material is chosen as close to the natural tooth as possible.

Occlusal finishing and control

At the end of the application, the restoration is finished, polished and checked to verify the occlusal contacts with antagonist teeth. A high shutter — that interferes with normal closure — is corrected immediately in the study.

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How long a dental filling lasts

The duration of a composite filling depends on several factors: size of restoration, position of the tooth, quality of execution, oral hygiene of the patient, diet and presence of bruxism. A small filling on a front tooth in a patient with good hygiene can last many years without problems. An extended restoration on a molar in a patient with bruxism may require a more early replacement.

Periodic checks are essential for monitoring the status of existing fillings and early detection of any deterioration, micro-infiltrations or secondary caries before requiring more invasive treatments. Learn more about the page dedicated to dental prevention in Lecce.

When to replace a shutter

A shutter must be replaced when it has visible signs of deterioration — chips, loss of gloss, irregular edges — when the tooth develops sensitivity or pain that indicate a micro-infiltration, when digital X-ray shows secondary caries under restoration or when aesthetics is no longer satisfactory.

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How does the Studio Odontoiatrico Stere work in Lecce

At the Dental Stere Study, located in Via Giovanni Boccaccio 19 C/D/E in Lecce, the fillings are performed with latest generation composite materials, selected for biocompatibility, resistance and color integration with the natural color of the tooth. The Dr. Nicolò Stefanelli, Dr. Rosanna Renò and the study team adopt a biomimetic approach that favours the preservation of healthy dental tissue, intervening precisely only where strictly necessary.

Each restoration is carried out in complete local anesthesia, with rotating precision instrumentation and advanced adhesive techniques. The patient is informed clearly about the state of the tooth, the proposed treatment and the materials used before proceeding with any intervention.

Studio Stere welcomes patients from Lecce, Salento and Puglia looking for a dentist dental fillings, treatment of caries, aesthetic restorations in composite, replacement of old fillings and dental prevention.

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Frequently asked questions about dental filling in Lecce

Does dental filling hurt?

No. It is performed in full local anesthesia and the patient does not feel pain during the procedure. In the following days there may be a slight sensitivity to pressure or thermal stimuli that spontaneously resolves within a few days.

How long does a session last for a shutter?

It depends on the size and complexity of the restoration. A simple shutter usually takes between 20 and 45 minutes. Extended restorations or multiple teeth can take longer times.

How many shutters can you do in a session?

In principle it is possible to perform more fillings in the same seat, if the teeth to be treated are in the same dial and the anesthesia covers the area properly. The decision depends on clinical evaluation and patient comfort.

How much does a catch in Lecce cost?

The cost varies according to the size of the restoration, the number of surfaces involved and the complexity of the case. During the first visit to the Studio Stere, a detailed and transparent estimate is provided. For information: Scholarship. it.

Is the composite filling equal to the tooth color?

Yes. The composite is selected in the color as close as possible to the natural tooth, resulting in practically invisible in the mouth. The aesthetic yield depends on the size of the restoration, the location of the tooth and the clinical skill of the professional.

What to do after dental filling?

Avoid eating until the effect of anesthesia has not completely disappeared so as not to risk biting your cheek or tongue. In the next few days, a slight sensitivity is normal. If pain persists over a week, please contact the study.

Where to do dental filling in Lecce?

At Studio Odontoiatrico Stere, Via Giovanni Boccaccio 19 C/D/E in Lecce, you can book a visit for the evaluation and treatment of caries and the execution of cosmetic composite fillings. For information: Scholarship. it.

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At Studio Odontoiatrico Stere you can find a complete range of preventive and curative dental treatments.

If you are looking for a dentist in Lecce for dental filling, caries treatment or replacement of old fillings, in Salento or in Puglia, our team is ready to welcome you with expertise, technology and attention to detail. Learn more about studiostere.it and book your visit today.
Article written by Dr. Nicolò Stefanelli – Dentistry

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Article written by Dr. Nicolò Stefanelli – Dentistry