Fillings
Traditionally for hundreds of years, dental feelings have been the most practiced procedure to restore teeth. The dentist will remove the tooth structure due to decay or fracture before placing the dental fillings. In more recent years, the filling material and procedure have greatly improved through much dental advancement. The silver amalgam was the most used years ago, but other available options for restoration include tooth-colored composite fillings or bondable resins and porcelains.
Once your filling is placed, it is normal to experience teeth sensitivity from the hot or cold temperature. You may feel slight discomfort in the first few hours, but once you follow the complete post-care instructions after your treatment, it will subsidize the pain. Continue to practice good oral hygiene, a healthy diet regime, avoid bad habits, and consistently maintain your dental check-up; it will preserve your filling’s longevity.
It is normal to experience sensitivity to hot and cold when first placed, however this will subside shortly after your tooth acclimates to the new filling. You will be given post-care instructions at the completion of your treatment. Good oral hygiene practices, eating habits, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new fillings.
Reasons for Fillings
- ✱ Cracked or chipped teeth.
- ✱ Close space or gaps in-between two teeth.
- ✱ Decayed or worn teeth.
Various Types of Fillings, Including:
Amalgam Fillings are usually silver filling used to repair a tooth that is impaired by deterioration, fractures, fissures, or crevice formation. The degeneration portion of the tooth will be extracted and will be filled with a silver filling.
Composite filling is a tooth color filling used to repair a tooth that is impaired by deterioration, fractures, fissures, or crevice formation. The degeneration portion of the tooth will be extracted and will be filled with a composite filling.
Gold filling is made out of gold alloy that is extremely durable and lasts longer than others. The colors do not match the natural teeth and are quite costly, at least six to ten times more than traditional amalgam.
Porcelain fillings (also known as ceramic) are often known as Inlays and Onlays. They match the natural appearance of your tooth color. They are usually designed for back molars that need more durability and resistance. This type of filling can last twenty years or more.
Glass Ionomer is fillings that are made from acrylic. They are often intense and most commonly used to fill a baby tooth.
What does the Fillings Procedure Involve?
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Fillings restore the strength and health of natural teeth from further decay.
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The decayed portion of the tooth will be removed and the area will be cleaned and disinfected.
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Filling materials such as silver or amalgam will shape and match the look and texture of the natural teeth.
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There are many modern materials that can be used to improve the color and appearance of natural teeth.
We use these products for this type of treatment:
Caring For Your Fillings
You should ensure the best care to protect your new filling until your mouth fully heals. Although many patients can carry on with their routine after procedure, it is advised that you should take certain precautions in hours and days after.
- ◆ You should take into consideration your type of filling
- ◆ It would be best if you avoided extremely hot or cold food/beverage temperature
- ◆ It would help if you took caution when chewing
Fillings FAQ’s
How Much Do Fillings Cost?
The price of fillings varies and is determined by what material is used. Your dentist will be able to quote the cost once they complete their examination of your teeth.
Can Fillings Be Prevented?
You can reduce the chances of needing fillings by adapting a habit with a good oral health routine. This means a combination of at-home dental routine and schedule dental appointments.
Does It Hurt To Get A Filling?
Your comfort is our main priority. Therefore, we make it our top priority to make sure that you feel comfortable visiting our office. We do distribute local anesthetics to numb the pain for the duration of the procedure. However, you will feel a light sensitivity sensation which is normal and will disappear in a few days.
How Do You Know If You Need A Filling?
Tooth decay is often asymptomatic, that you do not notice it at all. Only your dentist can tell you if you require a filling. Be sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist to help detect symptoms in the early stages. Early stages can help save you time, money and further damages to your teeth.
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