If you have a cavity, it's likely you'll need a dental filling to restore your tooth, and you have a number of options that can get the job done. Today, our Richmond Hill dentists explain why you'd need a tooth filling, and describe different types of fillings to consider.
What are dental fillings?
These repairs are used to restore the structure, function and appearance of a tooth that's sustained damage or decay, which can alleviate tooth pain you may be experiencing.
Why are dental fillings used?
Tooth fillings can fix fractures, cracks, or tooth decay. They help restore functionality to your tooth and in some circumstances, dental fillings can be used to make cosmetic improvements to your smile.
What are some signs I may need a dental filling?
Although you should see a dentist to confirm if you need a filling, here are some signs that you may have a cavity that needs a tooth filling. If you experience any of these, schedule an appointment with your dentist:
- A sharp or throbbing pain in your tooth.
- A hole or dark spot visible on tooth.
- Broken or chipped tooth.
- Tooth feels rough to the touch.
- Food consistently stuck between certain teeth.
- Existing tooth filling that has broken or cracked.
- A lost tooth filling that needs a replacement.
What are dental fillings made of?
Dental fillings can be made of a number of materials, from amalgam to composite, porcelain and gold. While each of these materials is safe and long-lasting, they also each have their own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to repairing a cavity or decay. Here, our dentists provide advice on how to make the right dental choice for you.
Porcelain Fillings for Strength & Appearance
Also called inlays and onlays, porcelain fillings are brittle, hard, and made in combination with metal. Made in a dental lab and sent back to your dentist to place, these strong, tooth-coloured dental restorations are typically used on molars as they are more durable and longer-lasting than a regular dental filling.
You’ll usually need to attend two dental appointments so your porcelain filling can be placed in your mouth.
Composite Fillings for a Natural Look & Feel
Since they are very similar in colour to natural teeth, composite fillings tend to blend in well with the surrounding teeth.
They look and feel much like a natural tooth, which makes them popular with patients who are concerned with how amalgam (grey) fillings may appear on teeth that are visible when they smile.
Dentists like composites because they are easy to sculpt and shape onto a tooth, and bond naturally to a tooth. This means your dentist won’t need to remove as much existing enamel when preparing the tooth.
Your dentist will remove tooth decay and add bonding material to the inside of the hole so the filling can be placed. Composite resin is then layered in the hole.
A curing light is used to harden each layer. When the last layer of resin has hardened, the filling will be carefully shaped to match your natural teeth.
Gold Fillings for Durability
Cast gold fillings are made using a model of your tooth. Created from a mix of gold combined with other materials such as copper and silver, a cast gold filling is created in a dental lab and sent back to your dentist.
It will then be cemented in place inside your mouth. Though this type of filling is considered the most durable (typically lasting 20 years or more) it is also the most costly. You'll also require at least two dental appointments to have it placed.