Dental Filling

What is a Filling?

A filling is a way to restore a tooth damaged by decay back to its normal function and shape. When a dentist gives you a filling, the decayed tooth material is first removed, the affected area is cleaned and the cleaned out cavity is then restored with a filling material.

When do I need a Filling?

• If you have cavities, due to excess sugar intake.
• If you have abrasion cavities (exposed notched root by gum recession or aggressive brushing).
• If old ones leak or break. This can happen after many years of wear and tear on teeth.

What can I expect at my visit for a Filling?

Fillings are done under local anesthetic, which completely numbs the tooth. The procedure is totally painless. A high-speed instrument is used to remove the decay or old filling. After the decay or old filling is removed, the tooth is then prepared with various chemicals (not harmful to the body in any way) to prevent leakage and improve the seal. The filling material is then carved into place.

What are the types of Fillings offered?

We offer two types of white, tooth-coloured fillings for restoration. These are Composite and Glass Ionomer Fillings.

Composite Fillings

Bonded Composite Restorations are the safest, most biocompatible and conservative way of restoring decayed, fractured and/or worn teeth; returning the tooth back to health, and function as well as providing a highly aesthetic appearance.

Composite restorations are versatile tooth coloured filling materials composed of strong plastic and glass particles that are used by our dentists to seal deep fissures, fill cavities, restore chipped teeth and reshape crooked teeth.

Excitingly these restorations may be used as less invasive alternatives to more traditional crowns and inlays which require the more extensive preparation of teeth and can be used to make cosmetic changes to teeth.

Glass Ionomer Fillings

Glass ionomer fillings form a chemical link with the tooth. They may also release fluoride, which helps to prevent further tooth decay.

They are usually only used on baby teeth and ‘non-biting’ surfaces such as around the ‘necks’ of the teeth. Little preparation is needed as the filling bonds directly to the tooth. This also makes it a great solution for babies and small children as pain is minimal.

Advantages of Dental Fillings

Appearance

Available in a variety of colour and shades, composite bonding can be made to look like your natural tooth.

Tooth Conservation

In composite bonding, only a small amount of natural tooth structure is removed. Reduced anesthesia required: Bonding usually does not require anesthesia unless decay is present.

Economics

Composite bonding is affordable compared to more expensive procedure like full crowns or veneers.

Comfort

With our Glass Ionomer fillings, little to no drilling or tooth preparation is needed making it ideal for kids that as the procedure’s discomfort/pain is minimal.

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