A dental filling is a restorative solution that can repair the damage caused by tooth decay or a fracture. While traditional amalgam (silver) fillings have been the go-to solution, there are different filling materials that can be used to fix your tooth, giving you the choice to select what’s best for your smile according to your needs. If you don’t want fillings to stand out in your mouth, you can opt for tooth-coloured fillings.
At Purity Dental, we offer tooth-coloured fillings (also known as composite fillings) that can restore the natural appearance of a decayed or previously filled tooth seamlessly blending in with the tooth enamel.
Made from composite resin material, composite fillings are the most popular fillings to date, given their natural-looking appearance. These composite fillings are initially soft and are shaped during the filling process using a special blue light to cure the composite and harden it. They are also very durable and bond well to the tooth enamel.
We have various types of fillings to suit your needs, depending on the severity of your case.
Amalgam Fillings: Amalgam fillings, more commonly known as silver fillings, used to be the most popular type many years ago. However, they have fallen out of favour in recent years because these fillings made from a mix of metal alloys containing traces of mercury are dark in colour and stand out against your natural teeth. For this reason, they are considered unfavourable, with many replacing silver fillings with tooth-coloured fillings. Porcelain Fillings: Porcelain fillings are used to restore heavily filled teeth or when a large amount of your tooth structure is lost. These fillings that are bonded to your tooth structure are tooth-coloured stronger and more durable than composite white fillings. However, this option is only viable for teeth that have lost more than 60% of their tooth structure. Fissure Seals: Sometimes, molar teeth have deep pits and fissures, making it hard for the bristles of our toothbrush to clean, resulting in a breeding ground for bacteria to cause decay or cavities. Fissure seals are dental sealants used to fill these pits and fissures to act as a barrier against plaque, bacteria, and food particles.
Here are some common signs and symptoms that can indicate the presence of a cavity and the need for a filling:
Tooth pain (particularly when biting or chewing)Increased tooth sensitivityA visible hole or mark on the tooth that could potentially be a cavityStained teeth (black, brown or white spots on teeth)It is important to note that the absence of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that tooth decay is not present and a filling is not required. Smaller cavities may not cause pain or discomfort initially, which is why you need regular dental check-ups to detect and treat cavities and other dental problems before they become painful dental conditions that are costly to fix. Plus, it’s important to treat decayed, damaged or worn teeth with dental fillings because, in addition to causing severe pain, these affected teeth may even fall out if left untreated.
Blends seamlessly with your natural teeth.Protects your tooth from further damage.Fillings can last for years, depending on the type and maintenance.Restores functionality.Improves the appearance of your teeth.Protects your teeth from decayPreserves more of your natural tooth as they require minimal tooth preparation. Only the decayed or damaged parts will be removed.Does not expand or contract with temperature changes when you eat or drink something hot or cold.Contains no traces of mercury, unlike silver fillings.
Before your dental filling procedure, our dentist will assess your mouth and talk to you about your options to determine which filling type would be best suited.
During your appointment, a local anaesthetic will be administered to the affected area to numb the tooth and surrounding structures. The decay will then be removed, usually using a dental drill. Once the decayed part of the tooth has been removed, the cavity is disinfected and dried before the filling material is placed. Our dentist will then shape and cure the filling to harden it before checking your bite and ensuring it is comfortable.
It is advised not to eat or drink for 2–3 hours after a filling procedure due to the local anaesthetic. You should also avoid hot and cold meals and beverages and hard, crunchy and sticky foods to ensure the filling hardens properly and prevents fracturing your composite filling. Once the local anaesthetic has worn off, you may experience some sensitivity in the area for a few days. For some, the pain can take a couple of weeks to wear off.
If you experience any pain, please see your dentist as soon as possible. We will prescribe pain medication to relieve the pain. If it lasts longer, we will check the root cause of your discomfort and address it accordingly.
Depending on which type of filling you opt for, fillings can last up to 12 years. They are placed under constant stress and movement from eating or even grinding, and this can cause fillings to wear away faster. When a filling is no longer in good condition, it can result in further decay, cracks, or fractures, making it important to maintain good oral hygiene.
Here are a few things you can do to ensure your fillings last for years:
Brush and floss your teeth using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Avoid eating hard and sticky foods like nuts and candy. Avoid grinding and clenching your teeth, as it can damage the tooth structure and the filling. If you grind your teeth, talk to our dentist about getting a custom-made mouthguard. Use a mouthwash recommended by our dentist. Avoid foods and drinks that can stain your teeth. Visit the dentist every 6 months for a regular check-up and clean.
The cost of dental fillings can vary depending on the type of filling material used, the location of the tooth and the complexity of the treatment.
To get an accurate estimate of the cost, it is vital to consult with one of our skilled dentists. We will assess your unique condition, discuss the most suitable filling material and provide you with a cost estimate based on your individual needs.
We provide flexible dental payment plans because we understand that your oral health is an important investment. Our dentists can help you find the right solution that fits both your budget and your smile so that you get quality dental care without any compromise.
At Purity Dental, we’re dedicated to providing exceptional oral health care that goes beyond the ordinary. Our team of experienced and caring dental professionals are here to make sure you receive the best care. Keeping up with the latest advancements in dental technology is a priority for us.
From general dentistry to specialised treatments like orthodontics, cosmetic dentistry, restorative dentistry, preventative dentistry and dental emergency services, we offer a wide range of dental solutions under one roof. If you are looking for a dentist to preserve your teeth and restore functionality, look no further than Purity Dental. We will guide you through the entire process, from treatment to aftercare, so you can keep your teeth and fillings healthy and strong for years to come.
