Tooth Coloured Fillings
Tooth coloured or “composite” fillings are the most widely used dental filling material today. They are composed of a durable glass or quartz material held together by a resin material. Composite fillings are generally used to repair teeth that have minor to moderate damage. A crown or onlay is often a better choice when the damage to the tooth is more severe.
Some of the many uses of dental composite materials include:
- Repair of small to moderate-sized cavities
- Replacement of small to moderate-sized silver amalgam fillings
- Repair of chipped or worn teeth
- Repair of some cracked teeth
- Cosmetic bonding of front teeth
In general, the filling process involves removing the decayed tooth structure, applying an adhesive material or “bonding agent” to the tooth then placing sequential layers of composite material into the hole until it is filled. At each step of the process, the material is hardened or “cured” using a bright, blue curing light. When the last layer of filling has been cured, it is then shaped and polished giving it the look and feel of your natural tooth.
Silver amalgam fillings are affordable, durable, and safe, but because of technological advances, they just aren’t the best filling anymore. Temperature fluctuations can cause metal fillings to expand and contract over time leading to cracks in your teeth which result in tooth fracture. Unlike amalgam fillings, composite fillings bond to tooth structure making it more resistant to fracture.
Other advantages of white composite fillings include:
- They are the same colour as your natural teeth.
- They cost less than gold or porcelain inlays or onlays
- They are direct fillings so they can be done in one appointment
- There is less tooth structure removed than amalgam
Some
disadvantages
of white composite fillings are:
- They are not ideal for very large cavities or in teeth with root canals where an onlay or crown is preferable
- Composite fillings cost more than amalgam fillings and may not be fully covered by your dental insurance
- Composite fillings can discolour over time, just like your teeth
- Weaker than a crown or onlay.
- Can cause sensitivity in some cases.
What to expect at your filling appointment
At your filling appointment at Viva Dental Victoria, we will anesthetize the tooth being treated, remove the old filling or decay, fill the hole with dental composite material, shape and polish the filling so it fits in with the rest of your teeth. You probably won’t feel anything during the first hour or two after your appointment, however, once the numbness wears off, you may temporarily experience:
- mild pain in your teeth, especially when breathing in cold air, drinking hot or cold liquids
- tenderness in your gums when brushing or flossing
- mild pain in the teeth surrounding the filling
- mild pain when clenching teeth
This sensitivity generally goes away on its own within a few days or several weeks at the most, depending on the cause. If the sensitivity doesn't go away or if your bite feels “off”, be sure to contact us!