Vahatäytteet

Vahatäytteet, known scientifically as wax fillers, are materials used to fill cavities, particularly in dentistry. They are primarily composed of wax, often a mixture of natural and synthetic waxes, with additives to control properties like melting point, hardness, and flow. In dentistry, vahatäytteet have historically been used for temporary fillings, particularly in deciduous teeth, or as a component in the fabrication of crowns and bridges. Their primary advantage is their ease of manipulation and removal, allowing dentists to quickly and painlessly fill a tooth cavity.

The composition of vahatäytteet can vary. Common waxes include paraffin wax, beeswax, and carnauba wax, often combined with resins or polymers to enhance their physical characteristics. Additives like zinc oxide or calcium carbonate might be included to improve radiopacity, allowing them to be visible on X-rays, or to enhance their biocompatibility. Historically, the use of vahatäytteet was more prevalent before the development of more durable and aesthetically pleasing restorative materials.

Modern dentistry typically employs composite resins or amalgam for permanent fillings due to their superior strength, longevity, and aesthetic qualities. However, vahatäytteet still find niche applications, such as in temporary restorations, cavity liners, or as a component in dental impression materials. Their soft nature allows for easy adaptation to the tooth's contours, and their temporary nature ensures they can be readily removed when a more definitive restoration is to be placed. While not a primary restorative material in contemporary practice, vahatäytteet remain a useful tool for specific dental procedures.