About your care
Fillings can be used to replace part of a tooth that has had decay, cracked or been fractured. The decayed portion of a tooth will be replaced with either a composite (white) filling or an amalgam (silver) filling. There are different types of filling materials that can be used, and the dentist can discuss the options that will be best for restoring your tooth. Composite and silver amalgam fillings are the most common used type of filling today. Composite fillings are tooth colored and they can closely match your existing tooth color, and are used more aesthetically in front teeth or more visible areas of the mouth. As with most other dental restorations, they are not permanent and may have to be replaced someday. They are very durable and can last for many years, giving you a beautiful smile.
Some Reasons for fillings
Chipped teeth
Closing the space between two teeth
Cracked or broken teeth
Worn teeth
Decayed teeth
Tooth Colored Composite Fillings
Tooth colored fillings have been available for many years. The technology for composite fillings has been improving greatly over the years. Many patients choose to do the composite fillings because it is tooth colored. More of the healthy tooth structure can be saved when placing a composite fillings, composite fillings are bonded to the tooth, reducing the possibility of the tooth fracturing in some cases.
Some of the disadvantages of doing composite fillings can include
Composite is a more expensive material than the silver amalgam material.
There are some limitations to where in the mouth that a composite filling may be used effectively.
Silver Colored Amalgam Fillings
Silver amalgam fillings have been around even longer than the composite tooth colored fillings. Amalgam fillings are a strong, long lasting material that is less expensive than the tooth colored composite fillings.
Some disadvantages to amalgam fillings can include
Dark in color
Often, more of the healthy tooth structure is going to be removed in order to place the silver filling properly, as compared to the composite fillings.
How are fillings placed?
Fillings are placed in one appointment. After the dentist numbs your tooth, the dentist will then remove all the decay for the tooth. The space that has been created will be thoroughly cleaned and prepped for a filling. Sometimes if the decay is close to the nerve a special material is placed as added protection. Then the filling will be placed, shaped and polished and tooth will be restored to make the tooth functional.
After the filling has been placed, your mouth will be numb for a few more hours, it is best to follow the instruction given to you on eating and drinking after the procedure.
Keep in mind that you can talk to the dentist about your cavity treatment at any time. We want you to comfortable while you are being worked in. You might be concerned about the level of mercury in the amalgam fillings, however, there are no credible studies that have shown dental amalgam fillings have unfavorable health effects except in rare allergic reactions.
After the appointment, you will be given instructions about your filling. The numbness will wear off in about 1-3 hours, do not chew on the side that the fillings have been done on, to make sure that you do not chew on your checks or your tongue. It is normal after having a tooth filled for it to be sensitive to hot and cold, this will normally go away shortly after your tooth acclimates to having a new filling. Having good oral hygiene, good eating habits, and having regular dental check-ups is going to help aid in the life of your new fillings.
Some potential problems with fillings can include
Damage to the filling. Sometimes a filling can become damaged if you bite down too hard on something or if you get hit in the mouth. As soon as you notice that a filling is damaged, or has fallen out, it is best to contact the office.
Space between the filling and your tooth. If you do notice space between your tooth and the filling, you will want to contact the office. Having space between your teeth and the filling can cause bacteria to stay in there and cause additional decay.