Dental Fillings Treatment and Care

Oral Health Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention

Dentistry focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating conditions of the teeth, gums, and oral structures, supporting oral health and overall well-being.

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Treatment and Care

The treatment phase for dental crystals at Liv Hospital is a streamlined, painless clinical procedure that adheres to the highest standards of adhesive dentistry. While the application is cosmetic, the technique is medical, ensuring aseptic conditions and optimal bond strength. The procedure is reversible and non-invasive, meaning no natural tooth structure is drilled or removed. Following the application, a regimen of specific care is essential to maintain the retention of the gem and the health of the surrounding tissues. We provide comprehensive guidance on navigating daily life with this aesthetic addition, ensuring patients can enjoy their crystal dental enhancement without compromising oral function.

The Bonding Protocol: A Step by Step Clinical Guide

The application process typically takes 15 to 20 minutes and involves several precision steps.

Prophylaxis and Site Preparation

  • Cleaning: The tooth surface is thoroughly cleaned with a fluoride-free pumice paste using a rubber cup. This removes the salivary pellicle (a protein film) and any plaque that would interfere with bonding.
  • Shade Selection: While not applicable for the crystal itself, the dentist ensures the tooth is clean to showcase the gem against the natural enamel color.

Isolation and Moisture Control

  • Application: A 37% phosphoric acid gel (usually blue) is applied to a specific, small circular area on the enamel where the crystal will sit.
  • Action: The acid is left for 20 to 60 seconds. It dissolves the mineral matrix of the enamel, creating microscopic pores and a rough surface topography.
  • Rinsing: The acid is rinsed off with water, and the tooth is dried with oil-free air. The etched area appears “frosty” or chalky white, indicating it is ready for bonding.

Adhesive Application

  • Bonding Agent: A liquid bonding resin (primer/adhesive) is applied to the etched enamel. This fluid flows into the microscopic pores created by the acid.
  • Polymerization: A curing light (blue light) is used for 10-20 seconds to harden this initial layer, creating a “hybrid layer” that is mechanically interlocked with the tooth.

Crystal Placement

    • Composite Resin: A small amount of flowable composite resin (the luting agent) is placed on the tooth or the back of the crystal. This resin is usually transparent, allowing the natural tooth color to show through the crystal.
    • Positioning: Using a special applicator or tweezers, the crystal is placed into the resin. The dentist makes final micro-adjustments to the position and presses it gently to ensure complete adaptation.

Finishing and Polishing

  • Resin Removal: Any excess resin that may have squeezed out around the base of the crystal is carefully removed with a scaler or finishing bur to prevent plaque retention.
  • Polishing: The area is polished to ensure a smooth transition from tooth to gem.

Post Treatment Care Instructions

Immediate and long-term care are vital for retention.

  • The First Hour: Patients are advised not to eat or drink for at least one hour to allow the bond to reach maximum strength.
  • The First 12 Hours: Avoid touching the crystal with fingers or playing with it excessively with the tongue. Avoid hard or sticky foods.
  • Dietary Adjustments: While normal eating can resume, patients should be mindful of the risk of crystals when biting into whole apples, crusty bread, or stone fruits. Shearing forces are the enemy of the bond.

Hygiene Maintenance

    • Brushing: Regular brushing twice a day is mandatory. The crystal will not fall off with regular brushing. Electric toothbrushes are safe and recommended.
    • Flossing: Flossing is unaffected as the crystal is on the front surface.
    • Professional Cleaning: During routine dental visits, the hygienist should be informed about the crystal so they can clean around it carefully without using ultrasonic scalers directly on the gem, which could fracture it or break the bond.

Removal Protocol

When the patient desires removal, or if the crystal needs to be replaced:

  • Non-Invasive Removal: The dentist uses specialized removal pliers or a high-speed finishing bur to gently grind away the crystal and the bulk of the resin.
  • Enamel Polishing: The remaining resin is polished off using abrasive discs and polishing paste. This returns the enamel to its original smooth, glossy state with no visible damage or scarring. This reversibility is a key feature of the crystal dental lab materials we use.

Managing Detachment

  • Re-bonding: If a crystal falls off within days, it is likely a bond failure (moisture contamination). It can usually be re-bonded.
  • Swallowing: If swallowed, the crystal is non-toxic and will pass naturally.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How is the tooth gem attached?

The gem is attached using a dental-grade composite resin adhesive, the same material used for white fillings and braces, which bonds mechanically to the microscopic pores of the etched enamel.

You visit the dentist, and they will gently polish the gem and the adhesive off your tooth, returning the enamel to its original condition without any damage.

It is recommended to wait about one hour after the application before eating or drinking to ensure the adhesive has fully set and achieved maximum bond strength.

A temporary dental filling is a sedative, short-term seal used when multiple visits are needed or to allow the nerve to heal, whereas a permanent filling is a durable, long-term restoration.

No, there is absolutely no drilling of the tooth structure involved; the procedure relies entirely on chemical bonding to the enamel surface.

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