How to fill cavities: Comprehensive analysis of filling methods and precautions
Tooth decay (caries) is a common oral problem that, if left untreated, can lead to pain, infection, and even tooth loss. This article will combine the hot topics and hot content on the Internet in the past 10 days to provide you with a detailed analysis of the repair methods, material selection and postoperative care for dental decay, and provide structured data reference.
1. Common methods of repairing cavities

Depending on the severity of tooth decay, filling methods can be divided into the following types:
| Degree of caries | Repair method | Applicable situations |
|---|---|---|
| Superficial caries (enamel layer only) | Fluoride coated or resin filled | Early caries, no pain |
| Moderate caries (reaching the dentin layer) | Resin or glass ionomer filling | Slightly sensitive, no damage to the dental pulp |
| Deep caries (close to the pulp) | Root canal treatment + crown restoration | severe pain or infection |
2. Comparison of filling materials
Advantages, disadvantages and price reference of different dental filling materials:
| Material type | Advantages | Disadvantages | Price (single) |
|---|---|---|---|
| composite resin | Beautiful and sticky | Average wear resistance | 200-600 yuan |
| glass ionomer | Release fluoride to prevent caries | Less intense | 150-400 yuan |
| amalgam | Durable and economical | Unsightly, mercury-containing controversy | 100-300 yuan |
| All-ceramic inlay | High simulation, long-lasting | high price | 2000-5000 yuan |
3. Precautions after tooth filling
1.Short term care (within 24 hours): Avoid chewing hard objects and do not eat with fillings on the side of your teeth. Sensitivity to cold and heat is normal and usually resolves in 2-3 days.
2.long term maintenance: Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste every day and floss; check whether the fillings are falling off or worn every six months.
3.taboo behavior: Biting your nails, opening bottle caps, etc. may cause the filling material to crack.
4. Answers to recent hot questions
1."Can I eat immediately after filling my tooth?": The resin material needs to be cured by light and can be eaten after 2 hours; the glass ionomer needs 24 hours to completely harden.
2.“Should children’s decayed deciduous teeth be filled?”: Must make up! Caries in deciduous teeth may affect the development of permanent teeth. It is recommended to apply fluoride regularly from the age of 3 years old.
3.“Can dental filling materials cause cancer?”: Resin/glass ionomer materials from formal institutions have all passed safety certification, and there is no clear conclusion yet on the silver amalgam controversy.
5. Key Measures to Prevent Dental Cavities
1. Control sugar intake and reduce the frequency of carbonated drinks.
2. Use the Pasteur brushing method (45-degree oscillating brush), twice a day.
3. Clean your teeth 1-2 times a year to remove plaque and calculus.
With scientific treatment and daily care, tooth decay problems can be effectively controlled. If you find dark spots or sensitivity on your teeth, it is recommended to go to a regular dental institution for examination as soon as possible!
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