Our team at The Dentist always focus on and promote preventive care, but there are times when a treatment such as a filling is the most appropriate course of action.
Fillings are a common dental treatment that we use to repair a tooth that has been damaged by tooth decay, in order to restore it to full function. They can also be used in cases of injury, or simple wear and tear.
Why might I need a filling?
As mentioned, the most common cause of needing this treatment is tooth decay. You might be experiencing symptoms such as an increase in sensitivity or pain when chewing or biting down. If this is the case, please get in touch with us so we can treat you as soon as possible.
In some cases, patients won’t experience any symptoms at all. Rather, we will be able to diagnose the need for a filling during your regular dental examination. This is why preventive care and regular check-ups are so important.
What are fillings made of?
Fillings can be made of a variety of different materials, but the most commonly used are resin composite, and metal amalgam. Composite fillings are made of powdered glass and BPA-free acrylic resin and are designed to fit in as seamlessly as possible in the mouth by being tooth-coloured. Metal amalgam fillings are the more traditional fillings which give a silvery appearance and can be more noticeable in the mouth.
We use both these materials at The Dentist, and will always offer our guidance and advice when it comes to choosing which is most appropriate for you. There may be some situations where amalgam fillings are more suitable than composite, for example. We can also use a material called glass ionomer which is also white in appearance and provides advantages in certain situations.
What is the treatment like?
We understand that for some patients receiving a treatment such as a filling can be nerve-wracking or anxiety-inducing. With our kind, compassionate, and highly trained team there is no need to feel any worry at all. At the start of the treatment, we will first administer a local anaesthetic – this means you won’t feel a thing and will be comfortable throughout.
Once the anaesthetic has taken effect, we’ll carefully remove any decayed or damaged parts of the tooth, and place the filling. With composite fillings – our most commonly used fillings – this involves applying a gel so that the composite material adheres properly to the tooth and then curing it in place with a special light.
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