What is a Tooth Filling ?
A tooth filling is a type of dental restoration which is used to repair worn down, decayed or cracked teeth. The main purpose of a tooth filling is to restore the functionality and strength of the tooth so that you can continue to chew and bite without pain. There are different types of tooth fillings available, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Fillings are also sometimes used for cosmetic purposes to change the shape or color of a tooth.
Several filling options include silver (amalgam fillings, composite/white fillings, ceramic fillings, glass ionomer fillings, gold inlays on onlays, and porcelain inlays.
Why are Tooth Filling needed?
To prevent further damage to the tooth. Once decay has begun to form on a tooth, it will continue to spread if not treated. This can lead to further damage to the tooth, which may eventually require a more serious and invasive procedure, such as a root canal or even an extraction.
To restore the function of the affected tooth. When decay forms on a tooth, it can cause pain and sensitivity. It can also make eating and drinking difficult or even impossible. By treating the decay and placing a filling, we can help restore your ability to eat and drink normally.
To improve the appearance of your smile. Even if decay is not causing any pain or sensitivity, it can still make your smile look less than its best. A filling can help mitigate any visible damage and give you back your confidence.
Do I need a Tooth Filling ?
If you frequently find yourself experiencing pain when you eat or drink something cold or hot, it may be a sign that you have tooth decay. This type of decay occurs when the enamel on your tooth starts to erode. When the enamel is gone, the next layer of your tooth, called dentin, is exposed. Dentin is much more sensitive than enamel and can cause you a great deal of discomfort.
Cavities are probably the most well-known reason you may need to get a filling. A cavity is caused by tooth decay and is basically a hole in your tooth. Cavities can range in size from very small to large enough that the tooth may need to be extracted.
If you notice any dark stains or spots on your teeth it may be a sign of tooth decay. However, it could also be caused by something else such as smoking or drinking coffee or tea. If you are unsure whether the spots are due to decay, it’s best to visit your dentist so they can take a look and let you know for sure.
If you feel discomfort or pain when biting down, it may be due to one or more cavities. It could also be caused by something called “tooth fracture” which is basically a crack in your tooth. If you are experiencing this type of pain, it’s best to visit your dentist so they can determine the cause and recommend the best course of treatment.
If you think you might need a tooth filling, don’t hesitate to contact our office to schedule an appointment with one of our skilled dentists. We will be happy to assess your needs and provide you with high-quality care that will help restore your smile!
Types of Tooth Fillings
There are three common versions of dental bonding available to patients, resulting in similar results.
White fillings are a more up-to-date version of tooth fillings designed to be the colour of the patient’s tooth. The white filling has become a more desirable option among patients who wish to receive fillings matching their tooth colour instead of the amalgam fillings’ darker, more prominent colour. The white fillings work as a malleable material as the material is packed into the tooth and “toughened” or “cured” using a special blue light. Once the filling is applied, your dentist will soften/smoothen the surface to ensure that the filling is the same height and shape as your original tooth surface.
Amalgam fillings are a silver material composed of silver, copper, tin, and zinc with trace elements of mercury. Amalgam fillings are the main form of fillings that have been used in dentistry for decades and are extremely strong and durable. These types of filling have a long working life and are usually used for the back (molar) teeth.
Ceramic fillings are created using a porcelain material, making this a more appealing option as it appears more aesthetically pleasing on the tooth. The main disadvantage of ceramic fillings is that they cost much more than silver or white fillings. However, as they are tooth coloured and durable, they are fast becoming a preferred option among patients.
This type of filling is created using a mix of glass and acrylic and is usually only used for children’s teeth as they are still developing. However, these filings are beneficial as they release fluoride into the tooth to prevent further decay.
Dental Filling
01. How long do fillings last?
Dental fillings are constructed to last long-term but some last longer than others. Silver (amalgam) fillings typically have the most extended lifespan, while composite fillings are increasingly popular due to their strong durability and aesthetic appearance.
On average, most fillings will last as long as 15 years once taken care of efficiently throughout their lifespan. However, this length will vary depending on patient factors such as oral hygiene practices, teeth grinding and clenching. Depending on the patient and type of filling, dentists will want to replace fillings every 10 to 15 years.
02. Aftercare tips
- Do not eat or drink until all sedation and numbing medication wears off.
- As there may be a pain when the sedation wears off, our dentist recommends taking some over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or paracetamol.
- Patients may experience sensitivity for some time after receiving a deep filling. This sensitivity usually improves over time.
Treatment Process
Most fillings will be treated in-house at our dental clinic in one short procedure. However, in more severe cases, patients may require oral sedation to help make the procedure more comfortable, this also applies to nervous patients.
While the exact procedure may vary from patient to patient, generally, a dental filling will follow these steps:
- The patient will need to have their tooth/teeth x-rayed to determine if and how much damage there is to the tooth to determine the exact requirements.
- The dentist will then apply a specialized numbing gel to the gums. This gel is applied to prepare the area for an injection of a local anesthetic to numb the area thoroughly.
- Then your dentist will remove the decayed area of the tooth.
- They will then fill the hole created from the drilling with the chosen material, i.e., ceramic, amalgam or composite.
- Finally, once the dentist examines the tooth to be fully filled and adjustments are made, they will polish the tooth and perfect the bite structure of the reconstructed tooth.
- If the dentist uses a composite white filling, there is an added step of curing: hardening the filling with a special curing light.
Patients
I highly recommend Frederick Dental Clinic. I recently had my orthodontic braces removed and I am delighted with the results. The staff were very friendly and helpful throughout all my visits and they always went out of their way to cater to my every need.
Jane WilsonSeptember 29, 2014
Advantages of a Tooth Filling
There are many benefits of getting a tooth filling
- Dental fillings halt the progression of dental decay in teeth.
- Tooth Fillings restore damaged teeth and protect them against further damage or stress.
- Improves and restores the overall appearance of teeth.
- Without a filling, decay will continue resulting in potential tooth loss.
- Fillings enhance a patient’s oral health.
- They stop a cavity from growing and becoming a more serious dental concern.
- They considerably strengthen fractured teeth.
- Fillings help to improve the colour and general aesthetic of teeth.
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