Fillings
A filling is a way to restore a tooth damaged by decay back to it’s normal function and shape
Fillings
A filling is a way to restore a tooth damaged by decay back to it’s normal function and shape
Treating Cavities
To treat a cavity your dentist will remove the decayed portion of the tooth and then “fill” the area on the tooth where the decayed material was removed.
Fillings are also used to repair cracked or broken teeth and teeth that have been worn down from misuse (such as from nail-biting or tooth grinding).
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Really impressed with these guys. Not having a regular dentist in these parts I was able to book an emergency appointment within a few days to fix a sheared front tooth. I saw Dr Roshnee who has a lovely friendly manner. Did a fab job fixing me up with a tooth coloured composite filling. The two receptionists that I dealt with, Ben and Jess, were both friendly and efficient. First class all round. Many thanks.
David Ashford
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Frequently Asked Questions About Fillings
What types of filling materials are available?
Today, several dental filling materials are available. Teeth can be filled with gold; porcelain; silver amalgam (which consists of mercury mixed with silver, tin, zinc, and copper); or tooth-coloured, plastic, and materials called composite resin fillings. There is also a material that contains glass particles and is known as glass ionomer. This material is used in ways similar to the use of composite resin fillings.
What are indirect fillings?
During the first visit, decay or an old filling is removed. An impression or scan is taken to record the shape of the tooth being repaired and the teeth around it. The impression/scan is sent to a dental lab that will make the indirect filling. A temporary filling placed to protect the tooth while the restoration is being made. During the second visit, the temporary filling is removed, and the dentist will check the fit of the indirect restoration. Provided the fit is acceptable, it will be permanently cemented into place.
There are two types of indirect fillings – inlays and onlays.
- Inlays are similar to fillings but the entire work lies within the cusps (bumps) on the chewing surface of the tooth.
- Onlays are more extensive than inlays, covering one or more cusps. Onlays are sometimes called partial crowns.
The location and extent of the decay, cost of filling material, your insurance coverage, and your dentist’s recommendation assist in determining the type of filling best for you.
Will my filling change colour?
What's a temporary filling and why would I need one?
- For fillings that require more than one appointment – for example, before placement of gold fillings and for certain filling procedures (called indirect fillings) that use composite materials
- Following a root canal
- To allow a tooth’s nerve to “settle down” if the pulp became irritated
- If emergency dental treatment is needed (such as to address a toothache)
Temporary fillings are just that; they are not meant to last. They usually fall out, fracture, or wear out within a month. Be sure to contact your dentist to have a temporary filling replaced with a permanent one. If you don’t, the tooth could become infected or you could have other complications.