Do I Need Fillings?
Fillings in teeth are required for a number of reasons, including:
- Cavity in tooth
- Chipped or broken fragment
- To protect/cover areas that have been eroded or brushed away
- Elective reshaping of tooth
Fillings are great for restoring teeth with small to moderate sized cavities. If a larger restoration is required, a crown may be advised for greater strength and longevity. We do sometimes place larger fillings in teeth at the patient’s request, but we find that they are susceptible to fracture, can collect food around them and are difficult to shape correctly.
It is important to have regular check ups to help prevent and minimise the size of cavities in teeth and eliminate the need for fillings altogether.
Filling Process
Once your dentist has diagnosed that you require a filling, the tooth first requires preparation so that it can retain the filling. This is usually done with a small amount of local anaesthetic although sometimes it can be performed without needing it. Once the tooth is prepared, the dentist will choose the appropriate filling material and rebuild the tooth to the correct shape. The tooth will be polished so it is left nice and smooth.
Filling Materials
We use a number of types of dental filling materials including highly aesthetic composite resin that mimics the shade and translucency of your natural teeth.
Some of our restorative materials contain fluoride that is a preventative against further decay whilst others are sedative and calm down a painful or irritated tooth. Occasionally we still use dental amalgam for its strength and the ability to use it successfully in situations where a white filling will not adhere properly. Rest assured, all our restorative materials are 100% safe to use.
Your dentist will choose the best filling material for your tooth for optimum aesthetics and maximum longevity. Please discuss with your dentist if you have any concerns or preference of materials.
