What are dental fillings?
These restorations are used to restore the structure, function and appearance of a tooth that's been damaged or decayed, alleviating tooth pain you may be experiencing.
Why are dental fillings used?
Fractures, cracks, and tooth decay can all be fixed by dental fillings. Dental fillings can sometimes be used to improve the appearance of your smile and help restore the functionality of your tooth.
What are some signs I may need a dental filling?
While you should see a dentist to confirm whether you need a filling, here are some signs that you may have a cavity that needs a tooth filling. If you experience any of these, schedule an appointment with your dentist:
- You feel a sharp or throbbing pain in your tooth.
- When you examine your teeth, you see a hole or dark spot.
- Your tooth is broken or chipped.
- Your tooth feels rough to the touch.
- Food keeps getting stuck between certain teeth.
- An existing tooth filling has broken or cracked.
- You've lost a tooth filling and need a replacement.
What are dental fillings made of?
Dental fillings can be made of a variety of materials, including amalgam, composite, porcelain, and gold. While each of these materials is safe and long-lasting, they each have their own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to repairing a cavity or decay. Our dentists offer advice on how to make the best dental decision for you here.
Porcelain Fillings for Strength & Appearance
Porcelain fillings are made with metal and are brittle, hard, and also referred to as inlays and onlays. These sturdy, tooth-coloured dental restorations are created in a dental lab and sent back to your dentist for placement; they are frequently used on molars because they are stronger and last longer than a regular dental filling.
You’ll usually need to attend two dental appointments so your porcelain filling can be placed in your mouth.
Composite Fillings for a Natural Look & Feel
Because they are very similar in colour to natural teeth, composite fillings tend to blend in well with the surrounding teeth.
They look and feel natural, and are popular with patients who are concerned with how amalgam (grey) fillings may appear on teeth that are visible when they smile.
Dentists prefer composites because they are simple to sculpt and shape onto a tooth and bond naturally to it. This means that your dentist won't have to remove as much existing enamel when preparing the tooth.
Your dentist will remove tooth decay and add bonding material to the inside of the hole so the filling can be placed. Composite resin is then layered in the hole.
A curing light is used to harden each layer. When the last layer of resin has hardened, the filling will be carefully shaped to match your natural teeth.
Gold Fillings for Durability
In order to create cast gold fillings, a model of your tooth is used. A cast gold filling is made in a dental lab from a mixture of gold and other materials, including copper and silver, and is then delivered to your dentist.
After that, it will be fixed inside of your mouth with cement. Although this kind of filling is thought to be the most long-lasting (20 years or more typically), it is also the most expensive. Additionally, you'll need at least two dental visits to have it put in.