Dental Fillings
If part of a tooth has been lost through decay or damaged due to an accident, your dentist may put in a dental filling. Dental fillings are used to fill a portion of tooth or plug the hole and stop any future pain or discomfort.
Types of Dental Fillings
There are two basic types of dental fillings:
- Traditional Amalgam Fillings
- Composite Resin Tooth-Colored Fillings
Our clinic uses variety of nanotechnology composite resin eg. 3M ESPE Filtek, Permisa Kerr, and Tetric® N-Ceram Ivoclar Vivadent for composite resin fillings.
Benefits of nanotechnology composite resin
1. Nanosized filler particles create a brilliant polish and retention
2. Gives excellent strength, durability and wear resistance for even the toughest posterior restorations
3. Can be used for simple to complex restorations involving layering and combining two and opacities
4. Low polymerization shrinkage for less stress on the tooth and less sensitivity potential for patients
5. Fluorescence contributes to a more natural looking restoration
6. Unique nanocomposite-based restorative combines strength and high-quality esthetics
The above information has been taken from 3M ESPE, Kerr, and Ivoclar Vivadent website.
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Procedure for Composite Resin Dental Fillings Treatment
The course of treatment described here is one of several options available at our dental clinic. Consult your dentist to find out what the best solution is for you, given your specific condition.
1. First evaluation and fillings tooth preparation
- decay in tooth is removed and clean cavity of bacteria and debris
- prepare space for the filling
2. Application of dental fillings
- tooth-colored material is placed in layers
- a special light that "cures" or hardens each layer is applied
- shape composite material to the desired result, trim off any excess material
- polish final restoration
Recovery Expectations
Having dental fillings and fillings replacement done is a quick and relatively simple process. There should be little or no sensitivity in teeth.
Dental fillings treatment can usually be completed within one visit if warranted. If however, there are a large number of fillings, the visits may be separated for better patient comfort.
Care for Dental Fillings
To maintain your fillings, you should follow good oral hygiene practices:
1. Brush at least twice a day. It is good practice to brush after eating and before bedtime.
2. Floss at least once to twice a day.
3. Rinse with fluoride rinse before bed. Swish the fluoride rinse vigorously in your mouth for at least one minute. Do not swallow any of the rinse and do not eat or drink anything for 30 minutes
4. See your dentist for regular professional check-ups and cleanings. If your dentist suspects that a filling might be cracked or is "leaking", further assessment of the situation should be done
5. If your tooth is extremely sensitive, if you feel a sharp edge, if you notice a crack in the filling, or if a piece of the filling is missing, call your dentist
Amalgam Fillings versus Composite Resin Fillings
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Type of Dental Filling |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
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Traditional Amalgam Fillings |
1. Durability – lasts at least 10 to 15 years or more 2. Strength – can withstand chewing forces 3. Expense – is less expensive than composite fillings |
1. Poor aesthetics – does not match the color of your natural teeth 2. Destruction of more tooth structure – healthy parts of the tooth may need to be removed to make a space large enough to hold the amalgam filling 3. Discoloration – amalgam fillings can create a grayish hue to the surrounding tooth structure and tend to blacken over time 4. Rare Allergic reactions – a small percentage of people, approximately 1%, are allergic to the mercury present in amalgam restorations |
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Composite Resin Tooth-Colored Fillings |
1. Aesthetics – shade/color can be matched to existing teeth well suited for front teeth use 2. Versatility in uses – in addition to use as a filling material for decay, composite fillings can also be used to repair chipped, broken or worn teeth 3. Tooth-sparing preparation – less tooth structure may need to be removed compared with amalgams |
1. Durability – may not last as long as amalgams on average 2. Increased treatment time – because of the process to apply the composite material 3. Chipping – depending on location, composite materials can chip off the tooth 4. Expense – composite fillings can cost up to twice the cost of amalgams |
