Dental Fillings
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A filling is a way to restore a tooth, damaged by decay, back to its normal function and shape. By closing off the area where bacteria has entered, a filling also helps prevent further decay. When your dentist gives you a filling, he or she first removes the decayed tooth material, and then cleans the affected area before filling the cleaned cavity with a filling material.
Only your dentist can detect whether you have a cavity that needs a filling. Therefore annual check-ups are so important. However, if you experience any of the following, you should make an appointment:
No one type of filling is best for everyone. The choice will be determined by the extent of the repair, whether you have allergies to certain materials, where in your mouth the filling is needed, and the cost.
Amalgam are resistant to wear and relatively inexpensive. However, due to their dark colour, they are more noticeable than porcelain or composite restorations and are not usually used in very visible areas, such as front teeth. The advantage of dental amalgam is that it does not require the tooth to be dry for its placement and can therefore provide successful restoration in situations which might otherwise lead to the extraction of a tooth.
Composite is matched to be the same colour as your teeth and therefore used where a natural appearance is desired. They are the material of choice for the restoration of small cavities. Major advances in the properties of this material have allowed us to completely change the way we treat decay. With less drilling, we can keep more of your healthy tooth. Composites may not be the ideal material for large fillings as they may chip or wear over time. Coffee, tea, and tobacco can discolour white fillings, and have a shorter lifespan of 3 to 10 years compared to other types of fillings.
GIC is often used on the primary teeth or to fill in small areas of decay, as they tend to be very delicate and take considerable wear and tear. When used on a permanent tooth, this type of filling is usually placed in a spot that isn’t subject to extreme pressure or chewing action.
Dentist may numb the tooth area before filling.
The dentist will cut through the enamel using a drill to remove any decay. After the dentist removes the decay, the dentist will shape the space to ready it for the filling.
For a composite filling your dentist will etch the tooth with an acid gel before placing the filling in layers then setting with a curing light.
Amalgam fillings are placed in increments. These set by themselves within 24 hours.
GIC fillings are placed in increments & some are set with a curing light.
