What’s a dental filling?
Any material placed inside a tooth cavity is called a ‘filling’, although they’re also used to fix chips and cracks. Cavities are essentially holes in teeth caused by decay or damage. If the holes keep getting bigger they’ll become painful and eventually the tooth may have to be removed. If a chip, crack or cavity develops, you should get an appointment at your friendly dentist in Birkenhead since a broken tooth costs a lot to replace. The purpose of dental filling is to restore the structural and functional properties of the affected teeth by replacing the missing parts. Filling is a much simpler and shorter procedure than a root canal treatment or implants, which may be required if teeth with cavities are not filled in time.
How are teeth filled?
After an assessment at your local dentist in Birkenhead, you’ll know if a filling is needed. The affected tooth will first have to be cleaned and prepared. Natural teeth cavities are uneven and some shaping is needed before a filling. Decayed areas also need to be removed since the filling needs to bond with the strong surfaces. The procedure is always done under local anaesthetic to ensure that you feel nothing at all. The cleaned cavity is then dried and applied with a thin layer of Fluoride or Calcium releasing lining. This lining helps to reduce the sensitives and helps the tooth to heal. The next step is to place a filling material in the freshly cleaned cavity to seal tightly. Depending on the material chosen by the patient, the filling may be applied in layers or all at once. Composite (aka White Fillings) and Amalgam (aka Silver Fillings) will only take one short visit to place. Porcelain and Gold filings will take 2 visits to finish (See below for more information). The last step is to fine polish the newly placed dental fillings.
Types of fillings
Dental fillings can be composite, ceramic, amalgam or gold, all of which are available at Mokoia Road, your community dentist in Birkenhead.
Composites (White dental fillings)
Composite fillings are newer than most other filling materials, and are already one of the most popular. They’re also constantly improving. Composite resin, as the name suggests, is a mix of many synthetic materials that can be varied in amount to change the properties of the filling. That makes it versatile. Composite fillings bond to the teeth surface chemically which makes them strong. Because of this composites can be applied with less preparation of the tooth compared to some other filling materials. They also match the tooth color after hardening, which is great if the filling has to be in a visible portion. After placing the filling the dentist shines a special blue light on the area for a short time. This causes a chemical change and the filling hardens (Polymerisation), bonding strongly with the tooth.
Amalgams (Silver dental fillings)
These are actually a mix or amalgam of metals including silver, mercury, tin, zinc and copper. The main advantages of Amalgam fillings are (1) Cheap material (2) Very Strong. Amalgams are also highly durable and last in excess of 10 years since they easily withstand chewing stresses. Most of us still has amalgam dental fillings placed when in Primary school. However, metal fillings are becoming increasingly less popular due to the color mismatch. Another disadvantage is that the preparation required for filling the amalgam often involves removing some of the healthy portion of a tooth. Since the preparation is slightly more aggresive, silver dental fillings have occasionally been known to crack the tooth over time. There are many claims in the media with regarding to the mercury toxicity of amalgam dental fillings. However, amalgam is still considered safe to use by FDI World Dental Federation, American Dental Association, New Zealand Ministry of Health and New Zealand Dental Association. (Click the links for more scientific information)
Porcelain (ceramic) fillings
Dental porcelain is a highly durable substance that best emulates the appearance of natural tooth enamel. It is so strong that dental bridges and crowns made with ceramic have been known to outlast natural teeth. Porcelain fillings don’t shrink with time and usually last for 10 years or more. They are also more resistant to stains. One of the few drawbacks is that porcelain fillings can be as expensive as gold. Ceramic can also be used to replace broken front tooth, however this broken tooth costs dearly. Porcelain fillings usually will need 2 visits: The first visit to clean, prepared and taking impressions. The second visit is to bond the porcelain to the tooth. Despite the cost, we find that most patients prefer this material once they fully understand it’s benefits.
Gold fillings
Gold is by far the most expensive filling material available. These fillings are extremely durable since gold does not corrode and can handle chewing forces well. Some people find a mouthful of gold pleasing while others find gold fillings aesthetically unpleasant. It’s a personal preference. Casted gold fillings will take 2 short visits to finish.
Maintenance and care
The first thing to check after getting your teeth filled is that it shouldn’t restrict your normal bite. Sometimes tooth sensitivity may develop after dental fillings, which will usually gradually subside on its own in a few weeks. Your dentist in Birkenhead will recommend a desensitizing toothpaste (Sensodyne Repair and Protect, Colgate Sensitive Pro Relief) if needed. Some habits can cause fillings to chip, crack or wear which may remain unnoticed at first. It is best to get routine 6 monthly check-ups after a filling even if everything seems to be going well. Long term care includes regular brushing, flossing maintaining good oral hygiene and avoid hard food.
Broken Tooth Costs
Broken tooth costs a lot more if left unrepaired over a period of time because the condition worsen everyday leaving the tooth exposed. Give us, your local dentist in Birkenhead a ring and our gentle and caring dentists will do our best to see you on the day to repair the tooth.
