A dental filling replaces part of a tooth which has been lost because of decay or accidental damage.
Old dental filling
New dental filling
We will remove any decay, together with any old dental filling material, using a small high speed drill.
The tooth is then washed and dried and the surface is prepared/etched with a weak acid to create a good sticking surface.
A bonding agent which acts like cement is coated over the surface to be restored.
The procedure
We will normally numb the area around the tooth, although some small fillings may not need an anaesthetic. We will remove any decay, together with any old filling material, using a small high speed drill. The tooth is then washed and dried and the surface is prepared/etched with a weak acid to create a good sticking surface. A bonding agent which acts like cement is coated over the surface to be restored. The dental filling material is then applied to the cavity in layers. Each layer is hardened by a “curing” light. The filling is then trimmed and polished.
The benefits
Unlike silver (amalgam) dental fillings, these cosmetic restorations stick to teeth and can form edges which can effectively repair front teeth which are chipped, broken, decayed or heavily worn.
The material can also be used as a “veneer” layer to cover marks or discolouration. White fillings come in a wide range of shades to colour match naturally with your own teeth. Teeth often require less preparation when using adhesive cosmetic fillings
The procedure
Initially as above, removing any weakened areas which may fracture later. The hole is shaped so that the tooth will hold the dental filling.
A lining is placed underneath the restoration if it is deep to protect the tooth from temperature changes and prevent some sensitivity. A small band may be fitted around the tooth prior to the soft amalgam being packed in layers. The dental filling is carved to fit the surface and the height and comfort is checked.
The dental filling is usually polished at the following visit when it has reached full strength.
The benefits
A dental filling rebuilds your tooth so you can chew and function. If decay is left unchecked, it can spread, causing pain and infection.
Sometimes the tooth will require a root filling or an extraction. A dental filling can either resolve tooth ache or prevent toothache developing. Silver fillings are very strong and ideal for back teeth where there may be heavy wear from chewing.
They do however discolour over time, which is a cosmetic drawback.