Fillings

Congratulations, if you have never had a cavity! You are not alone if you have had one. On average 78% of humans have had at minimum one cavity by the age of 17, according to a 2000 report by the U.S. Surgeon General. A dental filling can help treat a cavity. Fillings do just what their name implies — seals a small hole in your tooth, i.e. cavity, caused by tooth decay. This helps to prevent — a bacteria-induced infection) from spreading any further into your tooth, if untreated it can continue to the sensitive inner pulp or nerve tissue which is located in the root canal of the tooth. You would need root canal treatment should that happen. For dentists today, there are a vast variety of materials that can be used to fill teeth, but the process of filling a tooth is the same regardless. The first step is a dental exam of the tooth using x-rays, to determine how severe the tooth decay really is. Next removal of the decayed area of the tooth, so there is no discomfort. The area around your tooth will be anesthetized first. If you are nervous or do not like to receive numbing injections, you can take an anti-anxiety medication or use nitrous oxide to help you feel more relaxed. After removing the decay, the remaining tooth is etched or roughened with a mild acidic solution, then clear cement is applied for bonding the tooth and the filling material together.

Types of Fillings

There are two categories of dental fillings that range from metal filling to tooth-colored fillings. Eeach offer different advantages and disadvantages in certain situations.

Metal Fillings

Amalgam — The classic “silver” filling has been in use for over a century, dental amalgam is an alloy made up of mercury, silver, tin and copper. The mercury combines with the other metals in the amalgam to make it more stable and safe to use. These fillings are inexpensive and strong, but also very noticeable. They also require more tooth preparation (drilling) than other types of fillings. Cast Gold — The most expensive of restorative dental materials, cast gold combines gold with several other materials providing a very strong, long-lasting filling. It also is highly noticeable, which can be a plus or minus for your smile.

Tooth-Colored Fillings

Composite — This is a very popular choice for those who don’t want their filling to show, it a mixture of glass and plastic, which bonds to the rest of the tooth. This type of filling is more expensive than amalgan fillings and uses newer materials that last just as long. There is less drilling of the tooth when using composite as compared to amalgam filling. Porcelain — These high-tech dental ceramics are strong, lifelike, and don't stain as composites can. They are sometimes more expensive than composites because they may require the use of a dental laboratory or specialized computer-generated technology. While considered the most aesthetic filling, they can also, because of their relatively high glass content, be brittle. Glass Ionomer — Made of glass powders and acrylic, this inexpensive, translucent filling type has the advantage of blending in well with natural teeth and also release small amounts of fluride for help with prevention of tooth decay. They usually do not last as long as other restorative materials that are used. Watch Tooth-Colored Fillings Video

What to Expect After Getting a Filling

The local anesthesia should wear off within a couple of hours. Until then, avoid drinking hot or cold liquids and/or try eating on the side of your mouth with the new filling. There may be some sensitivity to cold and hot that is normal in the weeks after getting a tooth filled. If it continues to persist or pain when biting, you made need to have an adjustment to your filling. Continue to floss and brush as normal every day, and schedule regular checkups with your family dentist, at least two times per year. Remember that tooth decay is a preventable disease, with the right professional care and good oral hygiene, you can make your most recent cavity your last! We are here to help you do just that here at Woolwich Dental — Guelph, Ontario.

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