Slutfyllning

Slutfyllning is a term used in dentistry to denote the definitive restoration placed in a tooth after initial or interim treatment, such as a temporary filling or after procedures like caries removal or root canal therapy. The purpose of a slutfyllning is to seal the tooth, restore its function, and protect the remaining tooth structure from further decay or fracture. The choice of material depends on the tooth’s location, esthetic demands, bite forces, and the amount of remaining structure. Common materials include composite resin, dental amalgam, glass ionomer cement, and, in some cases, ceramic restorations such as inlays or onlays.

The procedure typically involves removing any temporary material, preparing the tooth, and placing the final restoration with appropriate bonding or mechanical retention. In front teeth, esthetics often guide material choice toward composites or ceramics; in back teeth, composites or amalgam are common depending on clinical considerations and patient preference.

Aftercare includes avoiding excessive forces on the treated tooth during the initial period, maintaining good oral hygiene, and attending follow-up appointments to monitor the restoration. Potential risks or complications are marginal leakage at the margins, wear or fracture of the restoration, or the need for replacement if the tooth sustains new damage. In some cases, especially when the tooth is heavily compromised, a crown may be recommended instead of a direct filling as the slutfyllning.

Terminology may vary by country, but in Swedish dental practice slutfyllning refers to the final restoration rather than a temporary measure. See also: fyllning, rotkanalbehandling, krona.