What are fillings?
Our teeth can crack, decay or deteriorate over time. We are all living longer after all! When this happens, your dentist may suggest a filling as one of the options.
There are various materials that we use for fillings;
- Composite materials are tooth coloured which we carefully match to the natural shade of your teeth, creating a seamless and discreet result. These are designed to restore both the appearance and strength of the tooth while blending naturally with your smile, and as materials have improved in recent years they are being used in simple and more complex cases. We can also mill fillings with our Cerec machine, potentially meaning less time in the chair!
- Glass Ionomers are also tooth coloured materials but they are usually not as aesthetic as composite. They have the advantage of containing Fluoride so help prevent future decay and may often be used to stabilise a tooth. Because they are more easily placed, they can be very useful in wriggly Children!
- In some circumstances, silver (amalgam) fillings may still be used, typically at a patient's request or where a tooth-coloured restoration may not be the most suitable option. Amalgam is a very tolerant material and works better in situations where moisture control may be difficult, so it has its place. There is no evidence that they cause harm to patients, the dental team is more at risk! However environmental concerns are very valid and we try and limit its use.
Your filling appointment
Your comfort is our priority. Before treatment begins, we will always offer a local anaesthetic to ensure the procedure is as comfortable as possible. While most patients choose to have anaesthetic, the decision is entirely yours.
Talking is obviously a problem when we are working. The best way to communicate to us when we are working is to give us a wave. It could be that you feel overwhelmed, need a break, have a question, would simply like to pause for a moment or you have changed your mind about the local anaesthetic, just raise your hand and we'll be happy to stop and check in with you.
White fillings
The search for a suitable alternative to silver fillings has been evolving for 20 years or more. Early white materials were very technique sensitive, difficult to place, and had a shorter lifespan than amalgam and are now the material of choice. Over the years, the materials have become much better and now provide an excellent solution.
Silver fillings
As a material for fillings, amalgam as it is called is relatively easy to place, long lasting and strong. However, it is silver in colour and it is an alloy of mercury. There is limited evidence for any general health concerns but we all want to reduce its use. It can be the best material to use for challenging fillings when a crown is not suitable. We can use special glue to stick these fillings to the tooth and this greatly increases its strength.