Fillings
Used to prevent the spread of tooth decay or correct any cosmetic damage, a filling is just one of the ways our dentists preserve your health. There are two different types of fillings: amalgam (otherwise known as silver fillings) and composite resin, the color of which can be customized to match your natural teeth.
Composite Resin
Since the color of a composite resin filling can be customized, it is the most aesthetically pleasing option. Composite resin is ideal for repairing chipped or cracked teeth, filling in a tooth gap, correcting dental discoloration, protecting any exposed tooth root from gum recession, or changing the shape of teeth. Patients may also choose composite resin for cavity fillings as they are bonded to the teeth in layers and therefore require less drilling away of the natural tooth.
Teeth affected by decay, fractures or cracks can be repaired with composite resin fillings made of a combination of nano-sized plastic and glass particles. The affected area of the tooth is removed and subsequently replaced with filling material to seal the tooth and return it to it's functional shape.
Amalgam
Made up of silver, copper, mercury, and tin, amalgam fillings are the most durable option for our patients. They last up to ten years and are less likely to fall out or break. Commonly used for filling in molar cavities, amalgam fillings can withstand biting pressure and can be fully administered in a single visit.
What are some reasons for selecting composite fillings?
Composite fillings are:
- Aesthetically pleasing as they closely match the colour of the affected tooth
- Durable and highly polish-able
- Able to restore chipped teeth
- Able to Close spaces between two teeth
- Able to fix fractured & decayed teeth
- Able to build up worn teeth
- Able to be used for cosmetic purposes
What is involved in getting a composite filling?
The dentist can place a composite filling in one appointment. In the case where teeth are fractured, decayed or large portions of the tooth are affected the filling will be placed when the tooth is numb. The composite material is added incrementally and bonded to restore the tooth to its normal anatomy. A curing light (see above photo) is used to shine specific wavelengths of blue light to trigger a reaction that hardens the light-sensitive composite material within seconds. The material is polished and adjusted to fit your normal bite.
It is common to experience some sensitivity to temperature changes when these types of fillings are first placed and the sensitivity subsides shortly after (usually within one month). Lingering sensitivity to hot/cold after 3 months following placement of a filling may indicate the need for more treatment on the tooth.
A good daily oral hygiene regimen, balanced diet and regular dental check ups will aid in the longevity of your composite fillings.