Dental fillings are a way to restore the strength and function of a damaged tooth. They are often referred to as dental restoration. Fillings are one of the most common procedures performed by dentists. It is the most effective treatment for teeth that have minor decay issues or cavities. Your dentist may also use this procedure for teeth that have become chipped or damaged in other ways. Your Ace Dental practitioner will guide you through the process and ensure you get the best dental fillings for your affected teeth.
What Are The Benefits Of Fillings?
Apart from their aesthetics, fillings restore the integrity of your teeth and, if properly done, you will not even notice them. In the case of composite fillings, they blend in with your natural teeth so no one will even notice you have fillings. The procedure is relatively painless and a filling can be done in one visit to the dentist.
Different Types Of Fillings
Ace Dental offers a number of options for fillings and with new advances in dental technology, there are better fillings becoming available all the time. The types of fillings most commonly used in dental restoration include:
Composite Fillings
These are the most common types of fillings. They are made from a special resin that is the same colour as natural teeth. This means the fillings blend into the teeth making them barely noticeable. Composite fillings also bond to the tooth structure, making it stronger.
Composite fillings are also gentler on your teeth and less drilling is required to prepare your teeth for a composite filling. This same compound can also be used to repair any tooth that has minor damage just as teeth that have been worn, chipped or broken. The downside to composite fillings is that you may need to have the filling replaced every five years or so.
Amalgams
These silver fillings are the most durable fillings. In most cases, they can last for up to 15 years or longer. They are also incredibly strong and you can chew any of your favourite hard foods.
The trouble with amalgams is that they are somewhat unsightly. The silver is very noticeable and they will change colour to a dull grey over time. When you have an amalgam filling fitted, your dentist will need to drill more of your existing tooth before the filling can be inserted.
Amalgam fillings are not suitable for all patients and some even suffer from an allergic reaction to this material. For this reason, amalgam fillings are the less popular choice for dental restoration.
Gold
Some people really like the opulent look of gold fillings. While they are not a common option for dental restoration work, they are an option for some. Gold fillings are quite costly compared to composite or amalgam fillings but they are quite durable and will last up to 15 years or more.
Why Your Dentist May Recommend Fillings
Molars are the most common teeth that require fillings – not surprising, as these teeth do most of the chewing. Molars are quite often the victim of decay and cavities. Other teeth can also benefit from fillings and this includes front teeth that may have become chipped or damaged. Your dentist will give you a local anaesthetic and drill around the damaged area to remove the decayed part of the tooth. The filling is then placed on or inside the tooth before being shaped to fit the natural contours of your existing teeth.
Do Fillings Need Special Care?
Apart from not eating or drinking anything overly hot or cold for a few hours after you’ve had fillings, you can resume your normal routine as soon as the anaesthetic wears off. Your treated teeth may feel a little different at first but other than that, there is no adjustment period.
It is important to maintain a good oral hygiene regimen to protect your filling and to ensure the rest of your teeth remain strong and healthy.
Regular brushing and flossing are all that is needed as well as regular visits to your Ace Dental practitioner.
Call on 020 8530 4230 to find out how our team can help you improve your smile.
