Protect your teeth from further damage with dental fillings
You only get one set of adult teeth, so why not protect them for as long as possible? Dental fillings, as well as inlays and onlays, are used to protect teeth that have suffered from decay or minor chips and cracks.
What are dental fillings for?
Dental fillings are used as a restorative option for decayed teeth. After the decay is scraped from your tooth, the space is filled with a composite resin material for a natural looking restoration.
How are dental fillings done?
The process for dental fillings takes two appointments.
First appointment
The first appointment is your consultation. This is where you will have you check-up and clean. Part of your check-up is having digital x-rays taken of your teeth. While sometimes decay is obvious to the naked eye, it’s always better to get a more detailed, accurate viewing with digital x-rays.
If decay is present on the x-ray your Dream Smiles dentist will advise what they think is the best course of action for your oral health. The advantage of a filling is that all the decay is removed and replaced with composite resin. This is advantageous because it can help to prevent the decay spreading and causing worse issues. These worse issues include infected root canal which—if left untreated—can lead to abscesses and other complications.
Second appointment
Your second appointment is where your dentist will clean the decay out of your tooth and be replaced with a composite resin. This material is colour-matched to your teeth so it will blend in. Which is another advantage of dental fillings. Especially of composite resin fillings. Not only are they effective, they look good and don’t have the draw backs of mercury fillings.
A light will be applied to the filling so that it hardens, and once this is done your treatment is complete.
Is mercury still used in dental fillings?
Some dentists still use mercury fillings. Dream Smiles does not. And while the debate is still going about mercury fillings, there is enough evidence to suggest composite resin fillings are a healthier, long-lasting option.
The established problem with mercury fillings are:
- The mercury can stain your teeth.
- Compared to composite fillings, mercury fillings require a lot more healthy tooth structure to be removed.
- Decay can actually form underneath a mercury filling.
- Mercury fillings expand and contract with vary temperatures—which has been known to cause cracked teeth.
These are just some of the reasons Dream Smiles prefer to provide our patients with composite resin fillings.
How long do tooth fillings last?
Composite resin fillings can last between 5 and 7 years. Like all restorative treatments, how well you take care of your oral health plays a role in the life of a dental restoration.
Keep your teeth healthy with dental fillings from Dream Smiles
It’s quite common for there to be no symptoms of tooth decay. If the decay’s severe you may notice some sensitivity to hot and cold food, as well as discomfort when you chew. Discoloured gums can be another sign something is not right beneath the surface.
By visiting Dream Smiles every six months for regular check-up and clean we can catch any problems before they become too big. For more information, or to request an appointment, contact us today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, digital X-rays are typically required for a dental filling procedure. X-rays allow the dentist to visualise areas of decay that may not be immediately apparent during a visual examination. They provide a detailed view of the tooth structure, helping the dentist assess the extent of the decay and determine the best course of action for treatment. X-rays can also help identify any underlying issues, such as damage to the roots or surrounding bone, ensuring that the filling process addresses all aspects of your oral health.
If tooth decay is left untreated, it can lead to a variety of serious complications. The decay will progressively destroy the tooth structure, potentially resulting in a cavity that can deepen and affect the inner pulp of the tooth. This can cause infection, leading to symptoms like severe pain, swelling, and the formation of an abscess, which is a pocket of pus that can develop at the root of the tooth. In some cases, untreated decay can necessitate a dental filling or root canal treatment to save the tooth or, in extreme cases, lead to tooth extraction. Poor oral hygiene is a significant contributing factor to tooth decay, and neglecting it can exacerbate the problem. The bacteria from the decay can spread to adjacent teeth and other parts of the mouth, potentially affecting overall oral health. For those in the Sunnybank area, Dream Smiles offers comprehensive dental care, including preventative treatments and fillings, to ensure your teeth remain healthy and decay-free.
Tooth-coloured fillings feel very similar to natural teeth, as the composite resin material used is strong and flexible. After placement, there may be some initial sensitivity to temperature, but this should go away quickly. They are also less likely to cause cracking or chipping of the tooth compared to traditional amalgam fillings. Overall, most people find tooth-coloured fillings to be comfortable and natural feeling in their mouth.
To prevent further decay after getting a dental filling, it’s essential to maintain good oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily to remove food particles and plaque is key. Regular visits to Dream Smiles in Sunnybank for check-ups and cleanings every six months will help detect any potential issues early. Limiting sugary and acidic foods and beverages can reduce the risk of decay, as these contribute to plaque buildup and enamel erosion. Staying hydrated and drinking plenty of water also helps wash away food particles and maintain a healthy mouth environment.
Tooth-coloured fillings are designed to blend in with the natural colour of your teeth, which means they will look very similar to your natural teeth. The composite resin material used in tooth-coloured fillings can be colour-matched to the shade of your teeth, making them virtually indistinguishable from the surrounding tooth structure.
Your dentist will carefully choose the appropriate shade of composite resin to match your natural teeth, taking into consideration factors such as your age, the colour of your teeth, and the location of the filling. They will also carefully shape and polish the filling material to ensure it looks and feels natural in your mouth.
In most cases, tooth-coloured fillings are virtually invisible once they are placed, making them a popular choice for restoring decayed or damaged teeth in a way that looks and feels natural.
Tooth-coloured fillings are preferred over old amalgam (silver) fillings for several reasons. They offer a more natural-looking, less invasive, and safer alternative to traditional silver amalgam fillings. Tooth-coloured fillings require less removal of healthy tooth structure, are durable, and can last as long as amalgam fillings. Additionally, they do not contain mercury, which is a toxic substance found in amalgam fillings. However, there are still situations where amalgam fillings may be the best option, such as for molars that receive heavy chewing forces. It is best to discuss your options with your dentist to determine which type of filling is best for your individual needs.
