Keep adding glass ionomer
until the cavity is over-filled.
Put extra glass ionomer in any
other pits on the surface of
the tooth near the cavity. Rub
petroleum jelly on your finger
and press down firmly onto the
filling for a few seconds, rolling
your finger from side to side.
This will make the filling smooth.
Where There Is No Dentist 2012 155
Remove your
finger carefully
from the side
so you do not
lift out the
filling.
6. Remove extra glass ionomer from the tooth before it gets too
hard. Use the spoon tool or the filling tool to quickly and carefully
remove any loose pieces of glass ionomer.
Let the glass ionomer harden for less than 1 minute, then ask the
person to gently close the teeth. The teeth should come together
normally and not hit first against the filling.
Check to see if part of the filling is too high
by having the person bite on a piece of
carbon paper. If there is too much filling, the
carbon paper will darken it. Scrape away the
extra filling from that place using the filling
tool and check again.
If you do not have carbon
paper, darken some paper
with a pencil.
The person must not leave your clinic until the filled
tooth fits properly against the other teeth.
Once the teeth fit together, spread petroleum jelly over the filling
with your finger. Petroleum jelly will protect the filling from water
and saliva for at least an hour while the filling fully hardens. Take out
all the cotton.
After you have finished placing the filling, explain to the person how to take
care of it, and clean your instruments. See page 151.