What are Dental Fillings?
Dental fillings are a type of dental restoration used to replace areas of tooth enamel that have been damaged or lost due to decay, trauma, or aging. A filling restores the damaged tooth by sealing off any cavities caused by the decay and preventing further damage from occurring. Fillings can also be used to repair broken or cracked teeth and to fill in spaces between teeth.
Fillings are typically made from composite resin, porcelain, or amalgam. Composite resins are the most common type of dental filling and come in various shades to match your natural tooth colour.
Porcelain fillings are more durable than composite resins but are more expensive and difficult to place. Amalgam fillings are made from a combination of metals, including silver, tin, and copper. They are the most durable filling but can be noticeable when you smile or speak.
When Do You Need Dental Fillings?
Dental fillings are usually needed when tooth decay has damaged or destroyed a portion of your tooth. Decay can be caused by poor oral hygiene habits, such as not brushing and flossing regularly or consuming sugary foods and drinks.
Fillings are also needed when teeth have been cracked or broken due to trauma or aging. If you experience any pain in your mouth that persists for more than a few days, it is essential to see a dentist as soon as possible for an evaluation.
Other treatments may be required in conjunction with dental fillings, such as root canals or the placement of crowns. Your dentist will be able to assess your situation and provide advice on the best course of treatment for you.
Dental fillings are a safe and effective way to restore damaged teeth and keep them healthy. However, if you need a dental filling, you must schedule an appointment with your dentist immediately. A quick visit to the dentist in Highett can save you from more serious dental problems down the line.
What Are the Common Types of Fillings?
1. Amalgam Fillings
Composition: Amalgam fillings, often called silver fillings, are made from a combination of metals like mercury, silver, tin, and copper.
Durability: They are known for their durability and strength, making them suitable for filling cavities in molars and premolars, which endure a lot of chewing force.
Cost-Effective: Amalgam fillings are cost-effective and have been used for many years in dentistry.
2. Composite Fillings
- Composition: Composite fillings are made from plastic resin and finely ground glass particles. They can be matched to the colour of your natural teeth.
- Aesthetic Appeal: These fillings are highly versatile and are often used for visible teeth, as they can be colour-matched to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
- Bonding Process: Composite fillings require bonding, which can be more time-consuming and may cost slightly more than amalgam fillings.
3. Gold Inlays and Onlays
- Composition: Gold fillings, also known as inlays and onlays, are composed of gold alloy. They are highly durable and biocompatible.
- Strength and Longevity: Gold fillings are exceptionally strong and can withstand chewing forces. They are known for their longevity and can last for decades.
- Cost: While they offer excellent durability, gold fillings are more expensive than other materials.
4. Porcelain Inlays and Onlays
- Composition: Porcelain inlays and onlays are crafted from high-quality dental porcelain.
- Conservative Restoration: These are used when a more substantial restoration than a standard filling is needed but not as extensive as a crown. They are a conservative approach to preserving tooth structure.
- Aesthetic Benefits: Porcelain inlays and onlays are highly aesthetic and blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, making them an ideal choice for visible areas.
Dental Filling Procedure
Evaluation: Before beginning treatment, your dentist will first evaluate your tooth and determine whether a filling is a right action. When assessing your teeth, your dentist may take x-rays to better look at your teeth’ structure.
Numbing: Next, your dentist will apply an anaesthetic to the area around your tooth so that you don’t feel any pain during the procedure.
Removing Decay: Using specialised tools, your dentist will remove any decayed material from your tooth. This step is crucial because it prevents further damage from occurring.
Filling Placement: Once the decayed material has been removed, your dentist will place the filling where the decay was found. Your dentist may also use a bonding agent to help secure the filling.
Polishing: Afterward, your dentist will use various tools to shape and polish the filling to look natural and blend in with your other teeth.
Follow-Up: Finally, you will be given instructions on how to take care of your new filling. You may also need to return for a follow-up visit to ensure everything is healing correctly.
Signs that Indicate you Need A Dental Filling
Tooth Sensitivity: If you experience pain when consuming cold or hot foods and drinks, it may indicate that you need a filling. This type of sensitivity usually occurs when tooth enamel is weakened by decay.
Visible Cavities: If you can see any dark spots or visible cavities on your teeth, this could mean that you need a dental filling.
Pain: If your tooth is continually painful, this could indicate the presence of decay and may require a filling.
If you experience any of these signs or symptoms, you must see your dentist immediately so they can assess the situation and determine if a filling is necessary.
Here’s 10 Reasons Why You Should Never Skip Your Regular Dental Check-up
Benefits of Dental Filling
There are many benefits to getting a dental filling, including
Improved oral health: Dental fillings help prevent further decay and restore the function of your teeth so you can continue eating and speaking typically.
Cost-effective: Getting a filling is usually more cost-effective than other treatments, such as root canals or crowns.
Fast: The procedure only takes a few minutes, so you won’t have to spend a lot of time in the dentist’s chair.
Low maintenance: Dental fillings do not require any special care after the procedure is done, making them an ideal option for busy individuals.
Aftercare for Dental Filling
Once you have received a dental filling, it is essential to maintain good oral hygiene practices so that the filling lasts for as long as possible. Here are some tips for taking care of your new dental filling
Brush and floss regularly: Brushing at least twice a day and flossing once daily can help prevent plaque build-up and keep your teeth healthy.
Avoid hard foods: Eating hard foods can cause the filling to become loose or dislodged. It is important to avoid chewing on hard candy, ice cubes, and other hard objects
Visit your dentist regularly: Regular check-ups with your dentist will allow them to assess the condition of your filling and make sure that there are no problems down the line
Dental fillings are a safe, effective way to restore and protect damaged teeth. But, if you need a dental filling, you must visit a dentist as soon as possible. So book an appointment with Studio Smiles‘ dentist today and get the dental care you need to maintain a healthy smile.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Dental fillings are necessary when there is decay present on the tooth. The decay can result from bacteria that produce acid as a by-product of the sugars in our food. When these acids attack the tooth, they break down the enamel and dentin, the layer beneath the enamel.
If left untreated, this will progress until it reaches the tooth’s pulp, which contains nerve endings and blood vessels. You may experience pain or sensitivity to hot or cold at this point. You may also see a dark spot on the tooth where the decay has started.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please see your dentist as soon as possible. Early detection and treatment of dental decay are vital in preventing it from progressing and causing further damage.
Different types of dental fillings are available based on the material used. Gold, amalgam (silver/mercury), composite resin (tooth-coloured), and porcelain are the most common filling materials. Each type has unique benefits and drawbacks that should be discussed with your dentist before deciding.
Gold fillings are the most durable and long-lasting, but they are also the most expensive. Amalgam fillings are silver-coloured and less visible than other materials and can resist wearing better, but they contain mercury which may cause health concerns.
Composite resin fillings are tooth coloured and aesthetically pleasing. However, they usually must be replaced more often than other materials. Porcelain fillings are well-suited for cosmetic purposes and can be colour matched to your teeth, but they can be more expensive than different types of dental fillings.
Yes. Dental fillings are generally considered a safe dental procedure. All modern materials used in dental fillings have been extensively tested to ensure they meet safety standards and do not cause any harm to the patient or their teeth. With proper care, these fillings can last many years without needing to be replaced.
However, speaking to your dentist if you experience any discomfort after having a dental filling placed is essential. They can assess the cause and provide necessary treatment or advice on addressing it.
Additionally, it is critical to practice good oral health habits, such as brushing and flossing regularly, so that fillings remain in place for as long as possible. Doing this will help ensure that your dental fillings last and stay safe for the long term.
Yes, dental fillings are not permanent and can fall out over time. The most common reasons for a filling falling out include tooth decay, trauma to the affected tooth, weak or incorrect filling placement, clenching or grinding teeth (bruxism), old age of the filling material, and inadequate suction during the placement procedure.
Depending on the underlying cause, your dentist can replace or repair the filling. However, a lost filling can lead to significant pain and complications such as tooth decay and abscesses if left unaddressed. To prevent these problems, visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.
Also, contact your dentist immediately if you notice any signs of a filling becoming loose, such as pain or sensitivity when eating and drinking. With proper management and care, you can maintain the health of your teeth and prevent further damage.
The answer to this question depends on the individual and their level of sensitivity. Generally, dental fillings are not considered painful, as most dentists use anaesthetic during the procedure to ensure comfort.
However, some people may experience mild discomfort or pressure during filling. Additionally, there may be slight soreness after complete treatment due to the anaesthesia wearing off.
Fortunately, any post-procedure discomfort can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medications or a cold compress. Therefore, most people find the procedure relatively comfortable and do not cause significant pain.
