A tooth cavity is not only painful, but it can be quite annoying too. The sharp edges of the tooth can rub on the cheeks, causing irritation, and food particles can get trapped in the hole, causing sensitivity.
While having a permanent tooth filling at home may sound like a viable and inexpensive option, the question is, it is possible? In this article, we’ll explore if it is possible to get a permanent tooth filling at home.
What Is a Tooth Cavity?
Tooth decay causes the tooth to break down and may lead to the formation of a cavity. When you eat, the bacteria in your mouth feed on the sugars in the food and produce acid, which erodes the minerals in the teeth, weakening the tooth structure.
The tooth structure eventually breaks down, allowing the bacteria to penetrate the tooth further and create holes.
A cavity is permanent damage to the tooth, and if not treated, it can lead to gum problems such as swelling, inflammation, and pain. And ultimately, it can result in the loss of your tooth. So, if you notice a cavity, it must be treated by a professional dentist and filled as soon as possible to prevent any further damage.
How Does a Dentist Place a Permanent Filling?
If your tooth requires a filling, the dentist will first numb the area with a local anaesthetic. Then, using a drill, the dentist will clean out the infected portion of the tooth. Once the infection has been cleaned out, they will fill the tooth with a filling material and restore the tooth that has been damaged by the decay to its normal shape and function.
There are different types of filling materials available, and your dentist will decide which material will be the best for you. A professional dentist can place and finish a tooth filling properly, ensuring that it is shaped in a way to match your original tooth, as well as the biting surface.
When done by a trained dentist, a permanent tooth filling can restore your tooth and last for around 15-20 years. The dentist has the tools and expertise to do your permanent filling, and this is something that you will not be able to achieve on your own at home with a homemade filling.
Can You Create a Permanent Tooth Filling at Home?
If you do an internet search on how to fill a cavity at home, you will find several sources that tell you how to create your own homemade tooth filling. However, a cavity in the tooth is a serious problem and can lead to complications if not treated and filled correctly, leading to long-term tooth problems.
So, it is highly recommended not to attempt to do your own permanent tooth filling at home and leave it to a professional dentist, lest it messes up your teeth irreparably.
What Are the Disadvantages of Filling Your Tooth at Home?
Not Long Lasting
DIY tooth filling kits are not bonded to the teeth like the permanent fillings placed by a professional dentist. Instead, these are simply pushed into the cavity in the teeth, where they lock into the undercuts and remain in place, making it very easy for these fillings to fall out. And, if you’re using a tooth filling kit on a front tooth, then it is completely useless, as there is very little undercut for the tooth to hold onto.
Wrong Color
Typically, tooth filling kits found in supermarkets are made of zinc oxide. They are not very high in quality and are not suitable for permanent tooth restoration. These DIY filling kits are temporary at best and are usually bright white or grey, making them stand apart from your original tooth colour.
Doesn’t Remove Tooth Decay
If you have a cavity in your tooth, it may be because of tooth decay. Simply using a DIY tooth filling to plug the hole may not be the best solution. The decay in the tooth needs to be removed before the filling is placed because if not, the tooth will continue to decay.
Furthermore, placing a filling over the tooth decay not only causes pain, but you may have to get the tooth removed in the long run. It is not possible to remove tooth decay as a DIY job at home – this should only be done by a dentist.
Breaks Easily
A DIY filling that you can do at home is usually made of very soft material, and if used on the molar teeth, it will wear out quickly when you chew. Worn out, broken fillings allow bacteria through the gaps and cause problems such as tooth sensitivity and decay.
Can Change Your Bite
When you get your tooth filling done by a dentist, they will check the occlusion of the teeth, i.e., if the teeth are meeting together properly. However, checking your bite is very difficult if you’re doing your filling at home.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, a permanent filling is a complex procedure that must be done properly by a professional dentist who has the expertise and appropriate tools. While it is possible to fill the cavity at home with the DIY filling kits available at a much cheaper cost than what the dentist charges you, it is not the best solution.
Without cleaning out the decay before placing the filling will exacerbate the damage, and you could end up losing your tooth. DIY fillings can fall out, requiring you to go to the dentist anyway.
And, so we recommend that if you need a permanent filling, instead of attempting to do it at home, consult a dentist immediately.