DENTAL FILLING
What Are Dental Fillings?
A filling is a specialised material designed to be compatible with teeth and which is placed into a tooth to fill a void or hole caused by decay or fracture.
What Is Important To Know About Dental Fillings?
- There are two main types of materials used in dental fillings: dental amalgam and composite resin.Each material has advantages and disadvantages;
- It can sometimes be difficult for an individual to know if they need a filling, because most small to moderate-sized cavities (areas of tooth decay) do not cause any pain or discomfort; &
- Decay is usually diagnosed by a dentist using inspection or xrays. Some cavities are too big for a filling and need to be fixed with
something larger and stronger.
More Detailed Information About Dental Fillings
How a Filling Is Done:
- Most fillings are placed only once the tooth has been anaesthetised (numbed);
- If the void in the tooth was caused by decay, the decay is removed;
- Any weak tooth enamel is also removed;
- The cavity is washed thoroughly and dried before the filling is placed;
- If composite resin is used, the cavity is first treated with some liquids which allow the composite resin to bond to the tooth;
- The filling material is packed carefully, often in stages, to prevent voids being left behind;
- Composite resin fillings are hardened via blue light activation;
- Dental amalgam and some other filling materials harden by chemical reaction;
- The filling is shaped to match the curvature of the tooth and to fit into the bite;&
- Some fillings require polishing by the dentist to achieve a smooth, easyto-keep-clean surface.
How Long Do Fillings Last?
- It depends on the many factors, the main ones being the size and location of the filling and what stresses it endures;
- A small filling in the groove on the side of a tooth endures no pressure and can last decades;
- A large filling covering the chewing surface of a molar of a person who grinds their teeth every night may last less than a year;&
- An individual’s dental hygiene, dental habits (like chewing fingernails or pens), diet and lifestyle will also have an influence on the lifetime of a filling.
Can All Teeth Be Successfully Filled?
- Unfortunately no. Some cavities are too large to be successfully filled using composite resin or dental amalgam;&
- When fillings are unlikely to be successful, your dentist will offer options that may include stronger porcelain or gold restorations, including dental crowns, inlays or inlays.
Dental Fillings at DAD’S CLINIC
We provide quality dental filling services . We use both silver dental amalgam and tooth-coloured composite resin. Amalgam is generally used only in teeth towards the back of the mouth or where greater strength is required. Your preferences for aesthetics are important to us so if you prefer tooth-coloured materials to be used our dentists will always offer toothcoloured solutions.
We know that prevention of cavities and fractures is important: we recommend that you minimise the amount of sugary foods and drinks in your diet, brush and floss your teeth thoroughly every day, and return regularly for your dental checkups.
You should wear a sports mouthguard if you play a contact sport and wear a nightguard if you clench or grind your teeth at night. Tooth decay and many fractures are preventable and the role of your dentist is to help you keep your teeth as healthy as possible.
