A dental filling is performed when a tooth is broken, chipped or has cavities. Different types of dental fillings are available, and depending on the location and tooth function, they can be either silver in colour or matched to the surrounding teeth.
A filling is a relatively quick and painless procedure, requiring only a local anesthetic to numb the area. It also recovers quickly as the freezing wears off and the filling material hardens fast. Materials such as silver amalgam, ceramic, porcelain, and glass ionomer are among various options for dental filling. Our doctors will choose the suitable material based on your needs.
Dental Tooth Filling at Maxilla
Our dental clinic offers this service with a variety of fillings based on your needs, please get in touch with our clinic to book your consultation today.
A white dental filling is often used for teeth near the front of the mouth to provide an appearance of unity in your smile. Our dentists perform these procedures with the highest skill level and ensure the fillings last for years without impairment in biting and chewing.
The process includes removing all built-up and damaged enamel and dentin from the tooth, along with the bacteria that cause the cavities. The cleaned tooth is filled with a prepared filling material that rebuilds its shape and strength. Lastly, it’s checked to ensure all tooth operations are maintained.
A filling is intended to recreate the form and function of the original tooth and prevent future cavities. They last several years but may need to be replaced in the future; their life span depends on the type of filling material and the tooth location.
Our dentists are highly skilled and experienced in selecting the correct filling for each case with its own purpose. A silver amalgam filling, for example, is the most common and widely used. This is one of the stronger fillings with a longer lifespan than its counterparts. Composite fillings are created to appear similar to other teeth around them. They are created with resin and plastic and, therefore, are not as long-lasting as amalgam and may not be used in teeth that do the bulk of chewing due to the wear and tear involved. Our doctors can create a ceramic filling that looks like the teeth around it, which can also be long-lasting. To ensure strength and durability, a larger area is cleared from the original tooth to create a filling.
Glass ionomer fillings are created with glass and acrylic and are typically used for children rather than adults. They release fluoride into the surrounding teeth, which adds strength and can prevent further deterioration. However, glass ionomers do not last as long and are not as strong as other ionomers used in adult teeth.
Dental Fillings FAQ
A dental filling is used to restore a tooth that has been damaged by a cavity, break, or chip. The procedure involves cleaning out the damaged or decayed area and then filling it with a material that will rebuild the tooth’s shape and function.
- Silver Amalgam Fillings: Durable and commonly used for larger cavities.
- Composite Fillings: Tooth-colored fillings ideal for front teeth or visible areas.
- Ceramic Fillings: These look like natural teeth and are durable.
- Glass Ionomer Fillings: Mostly used for children; releases fluoride to strengthen teeth but is not as durable as other types.
- Silver Amalgam: Used for large cavities in the back teeth due to its strength and durability.
- Composite Fillings: Best for visible areas, especially in the front teeth, to blend seamlessly with natural teeth.
- Ceramic Fillings: Suitable for larger cavities in visible areas.
- Glass Ionomer: Often used for children’s fillings, as it releases fluoride and helps protect the tooth.
A filling is used to rebuild the strength of the tooth after a cavity has formed. This hole in the tooth allows bacteria to get further into the tooth and create a larger cavity. A filling is used to fill the cavity and rebuild the strength of the tooth while keeping out the bacteria that increases cavity size. Without a filling the tooth will lose strength and may loose pieces along with structural stability. This can lead to a loss of the tooth and may lead to the need for a dental implant, bridges, or even dentures.
If left untreated, a cavity can grow larger and spread, causing significant damage to the tooth. This may lead to tooth decay, infection, or even the need for a root canal, extraction, or dental implant.
A filling is typically a painless procedure. Local anesthesia is used to numb the area, ensuring there is no pain during the process. Afterward, you might experience some sensitivity, but it should subside within a few days.
When a cavity requires a filling it is cleaned out first, all bacteria is cleaned out and the broken areas of the tooth removed, with the edges prepared for the adhesion of the filling material. Once the tooth has been prepared the tooth is filled with the prepared filling material and sealed, the shape is inspected to ensure the bite is not infected and that chewing and eating will not be affected by the filling in any way. The lifespan of the filling is affected by the strength of the bond between the filling and the tooth, the material it is made with, and the after care and dental hygiene that follows the filling.
The cost of a cavity filling in a tooth varies by the type of filling used, the size of the filling, and the location of the dental office. A silver amalgam filling is the most cost effective, while a composite will be a bit more to cover cost of material. Dental insurance will often cover the majority of a filing cost, or the full amount in some cases. Contact your insurance provider for coverage questions or your local dentist for estimated costs for any dental work required.
Yes, dental insurance will cover the cost, or most of the cost, of having a cavity filled. Most insurance companies will have a booklet of fees for types of dental fillings that are approved, or a percentage of the cost, available by request on their website. This will detail the expenses that are covered and how much of the cost of a filling will be covered by each insurance provider.
Even if you don’t feel pain, cavities can still cause long-term damage to your teeth. It’s important to get the filling done as soon as possible to prevent the cavity from worsening.