Porcelain Filling

Porcelain inlay/onlay are porcelain dental fillings.

So, why should I get a porcelain filling instead of a regular filling?
In cases of very large cavities, when old large fillings need to be replaced, or when a small fracture occurs in the crown part of the tooth, the remaining tooth structure weakens. Regular dental filling material is not sufficient to strengthen and protect the remaining tooth walls. Normal dental fillings are used for small to medium-sized cavities, filling the decay-related gaps and preserving the integrity of the tooth. However, when there is significant tissue loss, the remaining tooth walls become weak and are at risk of fracture under chewing forces. To prevent this, getting a porcelain filling is the best option.
 

PORCELAIN FILLING (inlay/onlay)	COMPOSITE FILLING
Supports the remaining tooth structure	It only ensures the integrity of the tooth structure
It has higher aesthetics	It is aesthetic
Its color remains stable over time	Its color darkens over time
It does not lose its integrity or change in size over time	Shrinkage may occur over time
It is resistant to wear	It wears down over time
There is no risk of decay forming under the filling	Decay can develop over time due to leakage under the filling
It can fracture under high force	It can fracture under high force
Higher cost	More affordable cost
Two sessions	Single session

How Is a Porcelain Filling Applied?
For the first session of porcelain filling: Under local anesthesia, any existing filling is removed if present, the decay is cleaned, and the tooth walls are properly shaped. Impressions are taken for the porcelain filling. The prepared tooth cavity is temporarily filled.

For the second session of porcelain filling: The porcelain filling prepared in the laboratory is tried in the mouth and permanently cemented. Necessary functional adjustments and polishing are performed.
 

Composite Filling

A filling is the procedure of cleaning the tooth decay and filling the cavity with a glassy plastic material called composite, which hardens with light.

Composite fillings are applied in a single session.

Depending on the size of the cavity, composite fillings are sometimes done without the need for anesthesia; however, if the cavity is deep, local anesthesia is applied to numb the tooth before the procedure.

Composite filling materials match the color of the tooth, providing aesthetically pleasing results.

Over time, composite filling material tends to shrink. This causes the bond between the tooth and the composite filling to weaken, creating gaps between the tooth and the filling. Leakage in these gaps can lead to new cavities forming. As a result, the composite filling needs to be replaced. Due to this shrinkage property, during regular check-ups, your dentist will examine the condition of your existing composite fillings and inform you accordingly.

Since chemical procedures are applied to the tooth during the placement of composite fillings, some sensitivity may occur for a certain period afterward. This sensitivity, which can last from a few days to several weeks, gradually decreases and eventually disappears. If the sensitivity does not improve, lessen, or even worsens over time, root canal treatment may be necessary.