Dental Filling

Benefits of Dental Filling

Prevents Tooth Decays and Cavities

The first thing that the dentist will do, before placing the filling, is to remove the decayed parts of your tooth. The filling material will then be placed in to seal the hole caused by the decay.

By removing the bacteria that cause tooth decay, the risk of infections and further damage is also removed. This prevents the tooth from getting a larger cavity in that area and also gives you the best chance of not getting further decay in that area of the tooth.

Restores Function of Chipped or Broken Tooth

Dental fillings can be used to repair chipped or broken teeth, or teeth that have been ground down by bruxism (grinding). Depending on the severity, a filling can help to significantly repair the tooth, allowing it to look and function naturally again.

Strengthens Tooth Structure

By the time your tooth requires a filling, decay will likely have gripped your tooth to some extent. By filling the tooth, it is also being strengthened by the material used for restoration. As a result, the tooth structure is strengthened and this reduces the risk of breakage. In addition, the function of your tooth will be improved, allowing you to chew and grind food properly again.

Improves Teeth’s Appearance and Colour

Dental problems are often a source of anxiety for individuals. As tooth decay is naturally black in colour, when you have tooth decay, it may seem like you have a black tooth which may not be presentable.

Dental fillings can address this issue by filling up the hole and improving the tooth’s appearance. Dental fillings can also be used to cover and re-shape front teeth to help you achieve the smile you have always wanted. Filling materials, specifically composite resin and glass ionomer materials, are natural tooth-coloured and can be used to restore your teeth colour.

Releases Fluoride

Dental fillings such as glass ionomer fillings can absorb fluoride from the surrounding (such as from water and toothpaste), and release it to the tooth over time. In other words, glass ionomer fillings can act as a “fluoride reservoir”. This stops the growth of bacteria, and thus prevents cavities in the surrounding area. You might need a preventative tooth filling if you have deep grooves or fissures in your teeth or if your teeth are affected by wear or erosion.

Types of Teeth Filling We Offer

Different materials can be used for dental fillings, each with its own pros and cons. At Elements Dental, we offer composite resin and glass ionomer (GIC) fillings. Each material has its unique characteristics and lifespan and is typically used for different types of cases.

Composite Resins: Made of a mix of quartz, ceramic particles and acrylic resin, these are tooth-coloured fillings that match your teeth’s natural colour. They come in different shades to allow the dentist to blend one that fits your natural tooth colour, giving it a natural appearance.They are durable and resistant to fracture in small-to-midsize fillings. They can be used on either the front or back of teeth, but they have the chance to get stained.

Composite resin fillings typically last at least 5-10 years, depending on several factors, such as lifestyle habits, oral hygiene, size of filling and location of filling.

Glass Ionomer (GIC): Glass ionomer fillings are made of silicate glass powder and acrylic. This is a tooth-coloured option that acts as a protective sealant for the tooth. They are usually used for small cavities near the gum line. They are less resistant to wear, and thus are not used to restore chewing surfaces. Glass ionomer releases fluoride over time to help prevent cavities in the surrounding area.

These fillings typically have a lifespan of up to 5 years, and do not last as long as composite resin fillings.

Dental Filling Procedure

A dental filling is a fairly common procedure. Whether it is due to tooth decay or a damaged tooth, getting a dental filling can help restore the functionality of your teeth. Here is what you can expect during the dental filling process when you visit Elements Dental.

Step 1: Consult and Examination

During your visit, we will look for signs of decay, assess its severity, and examine any cracks or grooves that could be prone to future decay. Our dentists will recommend any necessary fillings or other treatments for your teeth. Additionally, a dental x-ray may be taken to gain a clearer understanding of your oral health.

Step 2: Application of Local Anaesthetic

If needed, the dentist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth. A numbing gel may also be applied to the gum to reduce discomfort from the injection.

Step 3: Decay Removal

The dentist will then use a high-speed drill, air abrasion device, or laser to remove the decayed portions of the tooth. This part of the process should not be painful, though you might experience vibrations and pressure from the tools. This step is crucial to prevent further damage to the tooth.

Step 4: Preparing the Space and Filling the Tooth

The next step is to apply an acid gel to the tooth’s surface to enhance the bond. After a short while, the gel is rinsed off, leaving a rough texture. A thin layer of bonding agent is then applied to the tooth’s surface. The bonding agent is hardened using a special light.

If the filling is deep, the procedure may be done in multiple steps, with each layer being hardened separately. Before curing, the bonding agent has a putty-like consistency, allowing the dentist to press it into the cavity and shape it accordingly to give it a natural tooth shape.

Step 5: Polishing

The final step is to polish the filling. This process is used to smooth the filling and remove any sharp edges that may otherwise cause injury to the tongue or the lining of the cheeks. Your dentist will also try to match the filling to the original tooth as closely as possible. This is an important part of the filling process as it helps to ensure that the filling is comfortable and lasts for a long time.

Dental Filling FAQs