Maycroft Dental Practice
Dental Fillings
Dental decay happens when the enamel and dentine of a tooth becomes softened by acid attack, producing a cavity (hole).
Expert Dental Fillings
Dental fillings are a common dental procedure used to restore teeth damaged by decay back to their normal function and shape. When a dentist performs a filling, they first remove the decayed tooth material, clean the affected area, and then fill the cleaned-out cavity with a filling material.
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Choosing the Right Filling
A bespoke & tailored process
The choice of filling material can vary depending on factors such as the extent of the repair, allergies to certain materials, the location of the filling, and cost. Common materials for fillings include gold, porcelain, a composite resin (tooth-colored fillings), and an amalgam (an alloy of mercury, silver, copper, tin, and sometimes zinc).
Gold and porcelain fillings are durable and don’t corrode over time, but they’re more expensive than other options and may require multiple visits. Composite resins blend with the natural teeth color but may not be ideal for large fillings as they may chip or wear over time. Amalgam fillings are relatively inexpensive and resistant to wear, but their silver color doesn’t match natural teeth.
Dental fillings help prevent further tooth decay by closing off spaces where bacteria can enter. Regular oral hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing can help ensure the longevity of dental fillings.
Selecting your
best option
Silver fillings, or amalgam fillings, are a durable and cost-effective choice for dental restorations. They typically last 10 to 15 years, outlasting composite fillings, and can withstand chewing forces effectively. Moreover, they are budget-friendly, making them a practical option for many patients.
Composite vs Aesthetic Fillings
Comparing Filling options
Disadvantages of silver fillings:
- Poor aesthetics – silver fillings don’t match the colour of natural teeth.
- Destruction of more tooth structure – healthy parts of the tooth must often be removed to make a space large enough to hold the amalgam filling.
- Discolouration – amalgam fillings can create a grayish hue to the surrounding tooth structure.
- Cracks and fractures – although all teeth expand and contract in the presence of hot and cold liquids, which ultimately can cause the tooth to crack or fracture, amalgam material — in comparison with other filling materials – may experience a wider degree of expansion and contraction and lead to a higher incidence of cracks and fractures.
- Allergic reactions – a small percentage of people, approximately 1%, are allergic to the mercury present in amalgam restorations.
Advantages of composites:
- Aesthetics — the shade/colour of the composite fillings can be closely matched to the color of existing teeth. Composites are particularly well suited for use in front teeth or visible parts of teeth.
- Tooth-sparing preparation — sometimes less tooth structure needs to be removed compared with amalgam fillings when removing decay and preparing for the filling.
- Versatility — in addition to use as a filling material for decay, composite fillings can also be used to repair chipped, broken, or worn teeth.
- Bonding to tooth structure — composite fillings actually chemically bond to tooth structure, providing further support.
Disadvantages of composites:
- Increased chair time — because of the process to apply the composite material, these fillings can take up to 20 minutes longer than amalgam fillings to place.
- Lack of durability — composite fillings wear out sooner than amalgam fillings (lasting at least five years compared with at least 10 to 15 for amalgams); in addition, they may not last as long as amalgam fillings under the pressure of chewing and particularly if used for large cavities.
- Chipping — depending on location, composite materials can chip off the tooth.
- Expense — composite fillings can cost up to twice the cost of amalgam fillings.
- Additional visits — if composites are used for inlays or onlays, more than one office visit may be required.
In addition to tooth-coloured, composite resin fillings, two other tooth-colored fillings exist — ceramics and glass ionomer.
In recent years it has been more common for the patient to ask for white fillings. The material Composite is a stronger more durable natural coloured filling material, which is becoming a more viable treatment option for restorations. White filling material can be placed in any tooth, the only dictating factor being the size of the filling. The advantages of choosing a white filling material opposed to a silver filling are:
Our dentist is able to replace your filling with a match that is natural to your shade of tooth, so the filling is almost invisible. If you are interested in having white fillings please this discuss this with are dental team as there are different options available.
FAQ's on Dental Fillings
Key points about Dental Fillings
What Are Dental Fillings?
Dental fillings are restorative materials used to repair teeth damaged by decay or fracture, restoring them back to their normal function and shape.
What are the different types of fillings?
Different materials can be used for fillings, including gold, porcelain, composite resins (tooth-colored fillings), and an amalgam (an alloy of mercury, silver, copper, tin, and sometimes zinc).
How do I know if I need a filling?
If you have a toothache, sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods, or if your dentist detects a cavity during a routine exam, you may need a filling. Only a dental professional can definitively determine if you need a filling.
Is the procedure painful?
Before placing a filling, the dentist will numb the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic, which should minimise pain or discomfort. There might be some sensitivity or discomfort after the procedure, but this usually subsides after a few days.
How long do dental fillings last?
The lifespan of a dental filling depends on the material used and your oral hygiene habits. On average, metal fillings can last 10-15 years, while composite fillings typically last around 5-7 years.
Can a filling fall out?
Yes, fillings can sometimes fall out due to wear, decay around the filling, or biting down on hard food. If your filling falls out, contact your dentist as soon as possible to avoid any further damage to the tooth.
Do fillings require special care?
Not particularly. Just maintain good oral hygiene habits, including brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and regular dental check-ups.
Are there any risks associated with dental fillings?
Allergies to the materials used in fillings are rare, but can occur. There has been some controversy over the use of amalgam fillings due to their mercury content, but numerous studies and the FDA have concluded that amalgam fillings are safe for adults and children ages 6 and above.
Can I eat after getting a dental filling?
It’s best to wait until the local anesthetic has worn off before eating to avoid biting your cheek or tongue. If you’ve received an amalgam filling, you might be advised to avoid certain foods and drinks for the first 24 hours to allow the filling to harden completely.
Will the filled tooth look like my natural teeth?
The appearance of a filled tooth depends on the type of filling material used. Composite resin fillings and porcelain fillings can be closely matched to the color of your existing teeth. Gold and amalgam fillings are more noticeable.
Can dental fillings be done during pregnancy?
Yes, dental fillings can be done during pregnancy. The second trimester is generally the safest time for any non-emergency dental work. However, dental emergencies can be treated at any time during pregnancy.
How long does it take to get a dental filling?
Typically, a dental filling procedure can be completed in one office visit and takes about one hour. However, the time may vary depending on the size and location of the cavity, the type of filling material used, and the specific procedure used by the dentist.
Can a filled tooth still decay?
Yes, a tooth with a filling can still experience decay, especially if the surrounding tooth structure becomes compromised due to poor oral hygiene. Regular check-ups are important to detect any potential issues early.
Can a filling be replaced?
Yes, fillings that have worn away, chipped, fallen out, or are causing discomfort can and should be replaced. The process is similar to having the original filling placed.
Everything you
need to know
Here at Maycroft Dental Practice, we’re committed to ensuring you’re fully aware of all processes involved in our treatments.
If you would like to know more about a treatment in advance, feel free to get in touch.
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- 172 Hoylake Rd, Moreton, Wirral CH46 8TQ
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