DENTAL FILLING
Dental fillings are single or combinations of metals, plastics, glass or other materials used to repair or restore teeth.
One of the most popular uses of fillings is to fill an area of tooth that the dentist has removed due to decay or cavity.
Fillings are also used to repair cracked or broken teeth and teeth that have been worn down from misuse (such as from nail biting or teeth grinding).
Dental filling materials include:
Gold
Porcelain
Silver amalgam (contains mercury mixed with silver, tin, zinc and copper)
Tooth-coloured, plastic and glass materials called composite resin fillings.
When are dental fillings necessary?
If a cavity is detected early, before it breaks through the enamel, in theory it is possible to reverse it through home and dental office fluoride treatments, changes in oral hygiene care and diet. However, it depends on when a cavity is detected and how diligent the treatment is Signs that indicate when a filling might be necessary
Sensitivity to hot, cold and sugary foods
Pain when biting or chewing on a certain tooth
Getting food stuck in certain spots in your mouth
A rough, broken or chipped tooth
A dark spot on the surface of the tooth
General tooth pain
Floss that keeps shredded in between certain teeth
A filling that has fallen out
An x-ray showing decay under the surface of a tooth
Regular dental check-ups are very important component in detecting tooth decay in its beginning stages when it is relatively easy to address and prevent further damage.
How is dental fillings done?
If a cavity is detected and treated before it gets too close to the root of the tooth, it is generally a simple and straight forward procedure. Then the decayed or damaged tooth material is removed from your tooth.
If the dentist is putting a resin filling in, your tooth will then be treated with an acid gel to prepare the tooth surface for the filling material.
Which dental fillings are best?
Several dental filling materials are available to use.
They include gold, silver amalgam, or tooth coloured composite resin.
The location and extent of the decay, the cost of the filling material will play a part in determining which type of material to use.
Most dentists tend to use a composite resin material for the typical filling. Composite resin filling material offers a great all around solution as it is tooth coloured, long lasting, and less expensive than some other materials.
Are dental fillings safe?
All dental fillings are safe. However, there is always a risk of a sensitivity to any product used in the restoration process.
Any concerns or known sensitivities shouldbe informedto the dentist before the procedure to ensure the best choice is made for your specific condition.
Can dental fillings fall out?
Fillings and crowns can sometimes become loose and fall out. This is rarely an emergency, but the exposed tooth may be sensitive and you should contact the dentist as soon as possible.
If decay is undetected and gets underneath a filling or crown, it can change the shape of the tooth and as a result, the filling or crown will no longer fit the tooth properly. Thus, it can become loose and eventually fall out.
If a filling falls out, a new filling will need to be placed in the tooth to ensure as perfect as possible to prevent decay from getting under it.
Do dental fillings need to be replaced?
Dental fillings are expected to last many years. However, eventually, all fillings will need to be replaced. Over time, pressure from constant chewing and biting can cause a filling to chip, crack or begin wearing away, allowing bacteria to enter the small spaces between the filling and the tooth.
Let your dentist know if you notice any fillings that appear to be worn or cracked, or if you experience any sensitivity or pain around a filling. Regular dental examinations are important because problems with a filling can generally be detected in the early stages of wear or damage.
Why do dental fillings hurt?
Tooth pain or sensitivity after a filling is not unusual. A tooth that has just had a filling will be more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures as well as the pressure of biting and chewing.
This type of pain should resolve itself within a week or two after the filling. If the pain or discomfort does persists, contact your dentist. In the meantime, be aware and be gentle with your tooth as it heals.
Pain can also be caused by a filling that is not fitting properly or if it has developed cracks.
Do dental fillings contain mercury?
Dental amalgam fillings are made of a mixture of metals, about 50% of which is mercury.
Dental amalgam is in use for about 150 years because it is strong and long lasting.
Most dentists are coming away from using amalgam for fillings, choosing instead to use composite resin more often.
Can dental fillings cause bad breath?
Aside from a medical condition, bad breath usually comes from the bacteria that lives in our mouth.
These bacteria feed off on food particles in your mouth and then release a volatile compound, which causes the odour in your mouth. Cavities or old fillings that have decay under them can definitely cause bad breath.