Dental & Tooth Fillings
Re-enforce & Repair Damaged Teeth with non-invasive Dental Fillings , Inlays or Overlays.
What is a Dental Filling?
A dental filling repairs the damaged tooth after decay or a fracture has occurred. Tooth coloured composite fillings blend with your own tooth colour or improve it to appear more pleasant and natural. These composite fillings are hand-shaped and then cured with an ultraviolet light to harden them that you can use them straight away.
These are ideal in smaller sized defects and can last many years. They are also a short term alternative to restore large defects before a porcelain crown is utilised.
Who Requires Fillings & How Does It Work?
Dental fillings are typically necessary to address cavities, which are among the most common dental issues. Signs that may indicate a need for fillings include toothaches, sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, and discomfort when consuming sweet foods. These symptoms often signify decay that requires prompt treatment to prevent further damage to the tooth structure.
The procedure involves the following steps:
Preparation: The dentist begins by numbing the area around the tooth to ensure comfort during the procedure. Then, any decay or damaged tooth structure is carefully removed using specialised instruments.
Filling Placement: After cleaning the affected area thoroughly, the dentist fills the cavity with a suitable material. Common filling materials include composite resin, amalgam, gold, or ceramic, chosen based on the location and extent of the cavity.
Shaping and Polishing: Once the filling material is placed, the dentist shapes it to match the natural contours of the tooth and ensures a proper bite alignment. Finally, the filling is polished to smooth out any rough edges and to enhance its appearance.
Dental fillings restore the strength and functionality of the tooth, preventing further decay and discomfort. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene practices are essential to maintain the longevity of fillings and overall oral health.
What To Expect At Your Appointment
At Smile Studio Newstead, we’re committed to transparency and ensuring every patient feels comfortable. Here’s what you can expect at your appointment for dental fillings:
1
Initial Consultation & Assessment
Simply book an appointment online for a thorough evaluation, including dental impressions, photographs, and X-rays, to diagnose cavities and assess the extent of tooth decay. This comprehensive assessment will help determine the most suitable type of filling for you.
2
Customised Treatment Plan & Appliance Fitting
Receive a personalised treatment plan based on your assessment. During the procedure, our dentist will numb the affected area, remove the decayed portion of the tooth, and clean the cavity thoroughly. The chosen filling material will then be carefully applied to restore the tooth’s structure and function. The procedure duration is between 30 to 60 minutes.
3
Aftercare & Progress Monitoring
Follow post-treatment care instructions to ensure proper healing and longevity of your filling. Attend regular dental check-ups to monitor the condition of your filling and overall oral health, and address any concerns or adjustments needed to maintain optimal dental health.
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Let's answer some frequently asked questions.
Dental fillings are materials used to restore the function, integrity, and morphology of missing tooth structure resulting from cavities or external trauma. Common materials include composite resin, amalgam, gold, and porcelain.
The longevity of dental fillings depends on the material used and your oral hygiene practices. Composite resin fillings typically last 5-7 years, while amalgam fillings can last 10-15 years. Gold and porcelain fillings or inlays can last 10-20 years or more with proper care.
Fillings are used to fill small cavities or areas of decay, directly applied and shaped within the tooth. Inlays, on the other hand, are custom-made pieces fabricated outside the mouth, typically used for larger cavities or damage, and then cemented into the tooth.
Your dentist will assess the extent of the decay or damage during your initial consultation. Small to medium cavities can usually be treated with fillings, while larger or more complex cavities may require inlays for a more durable and precise restoration.
The procedure for getting dental fillings involves numbing the affected area with a local anesthetic to ensure you are comfortable and pain-free during treatment. You may experience mild discomfort or sensitivity after the anesthetic wears off, but this typically subsides within a few days.
For fillings, your dentist will numb the area, remove the decayed portion, clean the cavity, and apply the filling material. For inlays, an impression of your tooth is taken after decay removal, and a custom inlay is fabricated and cemented during a follow-up appointment.
Maintain good oral hygiene practices, including brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and regular dental check-ups. Avoid chewing on hard objects, which can damage your fillings or inlays.
Yes, fillings and inlays can be replaced if they become worn, damaged, or if further decay occurs. Regular dental check-ups will help monitor their condition and determine if replacement is necessary.
While generally safe, possible risks include sensitivity, allergic reactions to the materials used, or the filling/inlay becoming loose or falling out. Discuss any concerns with your dentist before the procedure.
The best dental filling for you depends on several factors, including the location of the filling, the extent of the decay, your dental history, and your budget. Composite fillings are popular for their natural appearance, while amalgam fillings are known for their durability. Gold and porcelain inlays offer excellent strength and longevity but are more expensive.
A tooth can be filled multiple times as long as there is enough healthy tooth structure remaining to support the filling. However, repeated fillings may weaken the tooth, and in some cases, a crown or other restorative treatment may be recommended instead.
Fillings need to be redone when they show signs of wear, damage, or if further decay occurs around or under the filling. Regular dental check-ups will help monitor the condition of your fillings and determine when they need to be replaced, which typically happens every 5-15 years depending on the material.
If you don’t replace a damaged or worn filling, it can lead to further tooth decay, infection, or even tooth loss. Gaps or cracks in old fillings can allow bacteria to enter the tooth, causing more extensive damage. Regular dental check-ups are crucial to identify and address any issues with your fillings promptly.
Having multiple fillings is not inherently bad, but it indicates a history of cavities and may suggest the need for improved oral hygiene practices. Excessive fillings can weaken the overall tooth structure over time, making it important to maintain good dental care and regular check-ups.
The number of fillings considered “a lot” varies for each individual, but having more than 8-10 fillings could be seen as significant. It’s essential to focus on maintaining good oral health to prevent further decay and the need for additional fillings.
