Fillings
In today’s modern dentistry, a filling is now not only a way to restore a tooth damaged by decay back to its normal function and shape, but is also a cheaper alternative to cosmetically enhancing your smile.
When a filling is placed due to caries, the first step to a healthier mouth is to remove the decayed tooth material from the affected area, clean the area to ensure all bacteria is no longer present, then fill the cleaned out cavity by closing off the spaces where bacteria can re-enter with a filling material to prevent further decay, and the longevity of tooth life.
Filling materials have changed significantly over the years, improving in shelf life, strength and cosmetic appearance. With its changes, come great benefits for patients who are after a change in their smile at a cheaper alternative, giving the patient a choice of composite resins over veneers and crowns.
Materials used for fillings include gold, porcelain, a composite resin (tooth-coloured fillings), and an amalgam (an alloy of mercury, silver, copper, tin and sometimes zinc).
Do you need a filling? Make an appointment with Dr Lydia and our team today. Call (07) 3261 2405 to schedule a consultation at a time that suits you or book online.
Which Type of Filling is Best?
No one type of filling is best for everyone. What’s right for you will be determined by the extent of the repair, whether you have allergies to certain materials, where in your mouth the filling is needed, and the cost.
Considerations for different materials include:
- Gold fillings are made to order in a laboratory and then cemented into place. Gold inlays are well tolerated by gum tissues, and may last more than 20 years. For these reasons, many authorities consider gold the best filling material. However, it is often the most expensive choice and requires multiple visits.
- Amalgam (silver) fillings are resistant to wear and relatively inexpensive. However, due to their dark colour, they are more noticeable than porcelain or composite restorations and are not usually used in very visible areas, such as front teeth.
- Composite fillings with aesthetics being the main advantage of composites, since dentists can blend shades to create a colour nearly identical to that of the actual tooth. Composites bond to the tooth to support the remaining tooth structure, which helps to prevent breakage and insulate the tooth from excessive temperature changes.
