Fillings
If a cavity appears in your teeth it is the recommended course of action to have a filling (unless it has progressed and requires a more substantial treatment). Its important to not leave any cavities as they allow bacteria to enter the tooth and can cause further discomfort and even infections, which can progress into killing the tooth (may require root canal treatment).
5 Reasons you may need a filling
- Cavities of all sizes and shapes require prompt dental fillings.
- Even small holes in teeth can benefit from dental fillings.
- A fractured tooth might require a dental filling.
- Dental fillings can be used for discoloured teeth.
- Dental fillings can help after the gradual loss of tooth structure.
At our practice, we are equipped to safely remove and dispose of any amalgam fillings you may have. We will then be able to carefully replace the holes with a more natural and friendly composite material, which also blends in with your teeth.
White Fillings
Most people have fillings of one sort or another but today, because we are much more conscious of our smile, we can choose a natural-looking alternative – the composite or tooth-colored filling.
A composite resin is a tooth-colored plastic mixture filled with glass (silicon dioxide) first introduced in the 1960s. Originally only used for front teeth because of their softer nature, modern improvements to their composition make them generically suitable today.
Advantages
- Same colour as your teeth - these fillings will blend in
- Easy Adhesion - Resin composite bonds to the surface of your tooth.
- Preserves maximum amount of tooth. -The flexibility of resin composite means less drilling is required.
Drawbacks
- Stain Over Time -Prolonged exposure to coffee, tea, red wine and other foods with staining properties.
- Takes Longer - The process of placing a resin filling is more involved, so it takes more of your time and the dentists.
Amalgam Fillings
Amalgam fillings are the traditional materials that were commonly used to fill any holes or cavities in your teeth. The two main downsides to these types of fillings are the fact that they contained mercury (which could pose a health risk if it leaks), and that they are easily detectable and extremely unsightly
Advantages
- Proven - Amalgam fillings have been used for over a century.
- Economical - Amalgam generally costs less than resin composite
- Long Lasting -These fillings usually lasts 10 to 15 years, so you don’t have to go under the drill as often.
Drawbacks
- Noticeable - Unlike tooth-colored resin, metal fillings are hard to miss when you open wide
- Allergies - Some people are sensitive to the metals in amalgam
| Amalgam fillings | Composite fillings | |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Silver coloured, may become black | Tooth coloured, may stain over time |
| Made from | Mercury, silver, tin, copper & other metals | Synthetic resin and other ingredients |
| Strength | Strong material for biting surfaces | Strong material for biting surfaces |
| Ease of placement | Relatively straightforward procedure | More complex and lengthy procedure |
| Impact on tooth structure | Some healthy tooth must be removed | Bond directly to tooth structure, minimising removal of healthy tooth |
| Time to set | 24 Hours | None - hardens during filling process |
Frequently Asked Questions
Like any dental restoration, a filling will last longer if you look after it. Brushing and going to the dentist regularly and flossing can make it last longer. If you eat lots of sugar, don’t brush and avoid the dentist it will fail more quickly.
The safety of Mercury amalgam fillings has often been debated. Some countries have banned the use of amalgam fillings, and they are not recommended for pregnant women, children or those with weaker immune systems. However, they are still widely used by dentists in the UK.
Unfortunately, fillings can fall out unexpectedly. The first thing you should do is call your dentist, as they will be able to recommend the best treatment for you.
Aside from a medical condition, bad breath usually comes from the bacteria that lives in our mouth. These bacteria feed off of food particles in your mouth and then release a volatile compound which causes the odour in your mouth. Cavities or old fillings that have decay under them can definitely cause bad breath. But just having a filling in your mouth will not cause the odor. It is the bacteria doing that.
For most patients, getting a dental filling doesn’t usually hurt thanks to local anesthesia. Once your dentist numbs the area, you should not feel pain while your cavity is being filled. While it isn’t painful, you may feel some slight pressure as your dentist drills away your tooth decay. After getting your dental filling, you may experience some sensitivity to pressure and temperature which is quite normal and it should go away rather quickly. But while some patients experience sensitivity, others do not. It just depends on the patient.
Unlike amalgam fillings, composite dental fillings allow patients to eat right after getting the procedure. However, we do recommend that patients only resume eating after the local anesthetic wears off. It can be quite difficult to eat when your lips and mouth are numb! Plus, you don’t want to run the risk of accidentally biting your lip, cheek, or tongue .While composite fillings are very strong, you should probably opt out of chewing anything too crunchy, hard, or sticky right after getting the procedure.
There really isn’t a limit to the number of fillings your dentist can give you at one time. In fact, if you have a few cavities located in the same area (the upper right of your mouth, for example), your dentist can give you a few tooth fillings all at once. The biggest limit to how many cavities a patient can get done in one sitting depends on a variety of factors: How long can you be at the dentist? Do you have any time constraints? Can you hold your mouth open for an extended period of time? It also depends on how much anesthetic our dentists can administer safely. Our dentists at High Street Dental Practice in Burntwood will set out a plan suitable for you