Dental decay, or dental caries, is one of the most common oral health issues affecting both children and adults worldwide. When decay compromises the structural integrity of a tooth, a dental filling is placed to rebuild its form, strength, and function. Dental fillings are essential for treating cavities and preventing further damage, ensuring the longevity of your teeth.

At Caring Dental, we recognize that every smile is unique. We take the time to understand each patient's needs and provide a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to their specific oral health concerns. Our goal is to gently remove dental decay and rebuild the form and function of the tooth while ensuring long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing results.

What Are the Different Types of Dental Fillings?

The variety of filling materials available today allows us to provide patients with customized solutions based on both function and appearance. Some commonly used filling materials include:

1. Composite Fillings: Also known as "tooth-coloured" or "white fillings," composite fillings are made from biocompatible resins combined with finely ground glass-like fillers. These fillings are durable, natural-looking, and offer excellent cosmetic results, matching the colour of your teeth. Composite fillings are bonded to the tooth, providing additional strength and preventing decay from re-entering. However, they may be more susceptible to wear and staining over time compared to other materials.
2. Silver Fillings (Amalgam): While not aesthetically pleasing, silver amalgam fillings are incredibly durable and cost-effective. They are ideal for large cavities and areas of the mouth that are less visible, offering strength and longevity.
3. Glass Ionomers: Glass ionomer fillings are made of a blend of glass and acrylic materials. These fillings bond to the tooth and release fluoride, which helps prevent future decay. While they offer good aesthetics, they are most commonly used for fillings in baby teeth or for temporary restorations due to their relatively lower durability.
4. Ceramic Fillings: Ceramic fillings, including inlays and onlays, are made from high-quality dental porcelain. These fillings are durable, highly resistant to staining, and offer the most natural look for restoring decayed teeth. Ceramic restorations are fabricated outside the mouth before being placed, making them ideal for extensive decay.
5. Gold Fillings: Gold fillings are a durable, long-lasting option but are less common today due to their high cost and the visible appearance in the mouth. However, they are an excellent choice for patients who prioritize durability and function over aesthetics.

How Are Cavities Treated?

When cavities are detected, a comprehensive treatment plan is developed to address the decay and restore the tooth's function. Treatment involves removing the decayed and damaged parts of the tooth, preparing the remaining healthy structure, and then placing the appropriate filling material.

The process typically takes about an hour and is done under local anesthesia to ensure you are comfortable and pain-free throughout the procedure. Depending on the extent of the decay, various tools like dental drills, lasers, or air abrasion technology may be used to remove the decay. Once the cavity is cleaned, the filling is placed.

For patients with severe decay, a temporary filling may be used while the permanent restoration is being fabricated. After placement, the tooth will be checked for fit, and polished, and the bite adjusted to ensure comfort and optimal function.

What to Expect Following the Placement of Your New Filling

After receiving a filling, there are a few key points to keep in mind:

1. Anaesthesia: You may experience numbness in the treated area for a few hours after the procedure. Avoid chewing, drinking hot beverages, or smoking until the numbness wears off.
2. The feeling of the New Filling: It may feel slightly different at first. If necessary, adjustments will be made to ensure that the bite is comfortable and the restoration functions properly.
3. Sensitivity: Some sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure is normal for the first few days. This should subside on its own. If the discomfort continues or worsens, or if you experience sharp pain, contact our office.
4. Caring for Your New Filling: Proper oral hygiene is essential to maintaining your new filling. Regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental checkups will help ensure the longevity of your filling. Even with the most durable materials, extensive tooth decay or damage may require further dental work in the future.

Conclusion

At Caring Dental, we aim to restore not only the function of your teeth but also your confidence in your smile. Our expert team uses the latest materials and techniques to provide high-quality dental fillings that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. If you have questions about fillings or would like to schedule a consultation, don’t hesitate to contact our office. We are here to ensure you receive the best care for a healthy, beautiful smile.