Dental Fillings
Repairing Cavities for a Healthy Smile
Using fillings to treat cavities is important. It helps prevent the spread of decay to other teeth and can alleviate pain or sensitivity caused by the cavity. Without treatment, cavities can worsen and lead to you requiring a root canal, or losing the tooth altogether.
Common types of materials used for fillings include amalgam, composite resin, gold and porcelain. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of durability and appearance.
While metallic fillings were the standard practice years ago, at our clinic, we prefer to use composite fillings. Composite fillings can be more easily matched to the colour of your teeth, making them less noticeable in the mouth.
Take action now and contact us today to maintain a healthy smile. Don't wait until the cavity worsens and causes more dental problems.
Signs You Need a Dental Filling
Cavities form when sugars interact with bacteria on your teeth and make acids that dissolve your enamel. The following are some signs that you might need a filling:
Sensitivity to Hot & Cold: The decay in the tooth can expose the dentin (the layer just beneath the outer enamel) and, eventually, the nerves, making them more sensitive to temperature changes.
Pain When Chewing: Decay can weaken the tooth's structure, leading to discomfort when pressure is applied. This pain may indicate that the cavity has progressed and is affecting the deeper layers of the tooth.
Visible Holes in Teeth: As the decay eats away at the enamel, visible holes or pits can start to form. If left untreated, these holes can continue to grow and deepen, eventually leading to more serious dental issues.
Dental Filling Replacements
In some situations, patients may want to replace silver-coloured mercury amalgam fillings with composite, tooth-coloured fillings for improved aesthetics.
Composite fillings can offer a more natural look that blends seamlessly with your teeth, providing a discreet solution to cavities. For years, composite fillings were only used for the front teeth, but their strength has improved as technology has advanced. Nowadays, they are an option for the back teeth as well.
Composite fillings can also bond directly to the tooth much better than they used to, providing more support and reducing the risk of future fractures.
Schedule an appointment with our dentist today to replace your silver-coloured mercury amalgam fillings with composite, tooth-coloured fillings.