FILLINGS

Why does one need fillings?

Fillings can help repair damaged, broken down and decayed teeth thus ensuring that they last longer. They can be used to treat both adult and baby teeth.

What does the procedure entail?

You may or may not need a numbing injection based on the clinical extent of the damage. If the tooth is decayed then the decay maybe removed using hand and/or mechanically operated instruments such as drills. If there is no decay then the tooth is merely prepared into a suitable shape to receive a filling. The tooth is then cleaned, washed and dried. The filling material is then placed into or onto the tooth surface restoring it to its original shape. You will then be asked to bite your teeth together to check if the filling feels comfortable when you chew.

What are the risks and complications of this procedure?

·         You may experience sensitivity to hot and cold after the filling. This may last from a few days to a few weeks.

·         There may be sensitivity on biting for a few days after the filling.

·         On a rare occasion you may have an allergic reaction to the filling material which is indicated by skin rashes and itching.

What are the different types of filling materials?

In the past, the most common fillings were ‘silver fillings’. These were made of a material called amalgam which contains silver alloy and mercury. This material was considered long lasting and durable.

However, in recent times these have largely been replaced by ‘tooth colored fillings’ which are made of a material that is capable of adhering to the tooth surface. This material contains glass particles, synthetic resins and a setting ingredient and is called composite. Some of the tooth colored filling materials may release fluoride which helps to prevent/reduce the incidence of further tooth decay.

Why should I consider white fillings?

White fillings not only serve a functional purpose but an esthetic one as well. They are natural looking and blend into your dentition to such a degree that only a trained eye can detect their presence. Most people no longer wish to have silver fillings which show when they laugh or smile.

Are they as long lasting and durable as silver fillings?

Initially white fillings were considered less durable than silver fillings however, with the advent of newer materials their properties are comparable to amalgam and are thus, proving to be very successful. Also to place these fillings the dentist has to remove less tooth structure which is obviously better.

Their life expectancy depends on a number of factors including the position of the filling in your mouth and your individual biting force. Your dentist can advise you on the life expectancy of your filling based on your individual clinical situation.

Should I replace my old amalgam fillings with tooth colored fillings?

Ideally, an old filling should only be replaced if your dentist feels that it has to be replaced from a functional perspective. At this point you can request a white filling as a replacement for the old amalgam filling. However, if the amalgam restoration is functionally intact you should avoid replacing it for an esthetic reason alone.

What are alternative treatment modalities to fillings?

Crowns and inlays can be used for the posterior teeth and crowns and veneers maybe used in the anterior teeth. Your dentist will discuss all of these options with you if applicable based on the clinical conditions. Crowns, veneers and inlays are all fabricated in a laboratory and thus tend to cost considerably more than fillings.

Silver fillings: additional information regarding possible risk factors.

Some concern has been raised regarding the mercury content of silver amalgam fillings however, there is no reliable evidence that people with amalgam fillings are more prone to ill health as compared to those people with no amalgam fillings. A small percent of people do develop local side effects due to an allergic reaction to amalgam. It is advisable to avoid the use of silver amalgam fillings during pregnancy, in patients suffering from kidney disease and in children’s teeth.