The most common reason you may need a filling is dental decay; however, teeth can also chip or crack due to dental trauma or bad habits (such as nail biting or teeth grinding). The aim of a filling is to restore the shape and function of the tooth to normal.
You may need a filling if you have noticed that:
- The tooth feels rough or sharp.
- There is sensitivity to cold, hot, or sweet foods and drinks.
- Pain when chewing or biting.
- Toothache.
What can I expect from the treatment?
Before starting the procedure, the dentist will administer local anaesthesia to numb the area around the tooth, ensuring the process is completely pain-free. The decayed or broken parts of the tooth will be cleaned away to leave a solid and healthy structure. Then, the dentist will place the filling and polish the tooth to ensure the bite is correct.
What are the different types of filling materials?
Amalgam: Amalgam is a silver-coloured filling material consisting of mercury, silver, tin, and copper. It is durable and has been used for many years. However, amalgam fillings do not adhere to the tooth surface, which limits their use in large cavities. They also require the removal of more healthy tooth structure than white fillings, potentially weakening the tooth. Over time, old amalgam fillings can produce metal stains on your teeth, which cannot be removed with teeth whitening.
Composite: Composite fillings are made of a mixture of powdered quartz/silica, ceramic particles, and a resin base, giving them a white colour that can be closely matched to your natural teeth. They are aesthetically pleasing and bond chemically to the tooth structure using a bonding layer, allowing minimal tooth shaping and preserving healthy tooth structure.
Glass Ionomer: These are white-coloured filling materials that are typically used as temporary fillings due to their lower strength.
These materials offer different benefits and considerations, and your dentist will recommend the most suitable option based on your dental needs and preferences.
