What is a dental filling?
A dental filling is a compound that fills in holes in your tooth. There are three Tooth Fillings: metal, cast gold, and tooth-coloured. Both materials do the job of filling in exposed areas of the tooth.
Metal fillings are made of what is called dental amalgam. Amalgam is typically made of liquid mercury, silver, tin and copper. They are a long-lasting and durable filling. Metal fillings will last, on average, 20 years. The downside of metal fillings is that mercury is used in these fillings. They aren’t the first filling we’ll recommend to our patients.
Cast gold fillings are a durable and long-lasting option for restoring damaged or decayed teeth. These fillings are custom-made to fit the exact shape of your tooth, providing a precise and secure fit. Gold fillings are known for their strength and ability to withstand heavy chewing forces, making them an excellent choice for back teeth. Unlike traditional metal or tooth-coloured fillings, cast gold fillings typically require two appointments — one to prepare the tooth and take impressions, and another to place the custom-made restoration.
Tooth-coloured fillings are another popular option for patients looking for a more natural appearance. These fillings are designed to blend seamlessly with your surrounding teeth, helping maintain the look of your smile while restoring strength and function. There are three common types of tooth-coloured fillings: composite, porcelain, and glass ionomer.
Do I need a filling?
Dental fillings are commonly used to repair teeth that have been damaged by cavities or minor fractures. When decay creates a cavity in the tooth, it can weaken the structure and cause increased sensitivity to hot or cold foods, sugary drinks, or pressure while chewing. Some patients may also experience mild to sharp pain when biting down, which can be a sign that the tooth requires treatment.
In some cases, cavities may appear as brown, black, or dark spots on the surface of the tooth. However, not all cavities are visible, which is why regular dental checkups are important for early detection. Treating cavities early with a filling helps restore the tooth, prevent further decay, and protect your long-term oral health. If you notice tooth sensitivity, pain, or visible changes in your teeth, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your dentist for a proper examination and treatment recommendation.
FAQ's
Have you got a question? We have an answer!
There is minimal recovery with a filling. After the anesthetic wears off, your tooth may feel a bit sensitive. The discomfort should only last a day. If pain or sensitivity persists, then come back into our office.
The filling you get will dictate how long it lasts. Metal fillings will last longer than porcelain fillings because of the material they’re made of. We suggest discussing the types of fillings we offer and what would be best for you.
We numb you before we begin the filling procedure. Getting a filling does require us to clean out the area of the tooth that is affected. We make sure you’re completely numb before we start that process. You shouldn’t feel anything during it, so it’s a painless procedure.
Yes, everyone can get a filling. However, there are instances where getting a filling isn’t an option. When a tooth has significant decay, we won’t do a filling. A severely decayed tooth will usually require a root canal or tooth removal.
A filling works by filling the space in your tooth. A cavity is a hole in your tooth, meaning your tooth is more vulnerable to damage. When you come in for a filling, we’ll sit down and thoroughly examine your teeth. This check helps us determine the filling we will use on your cavity.
Once we’ve identified the areas that need to be filled, we’ll get started on the actual fillings. We’ll use a more durable filling material for fillings near the rear of our mouth. Teeth-like molars are used most when chewing, so fillings in the molars need to be strong.
We’ll also consider if you would like your fillings to look more natural. Metal and cast gold fillings will not look tooth coloured. Composite, porcelain and glass ionomer fillings are tooth coloured.
After we’ve selected the fillings, we’ll begin the process. We’ll administer a local anesthetic as we’ll need to clean out any debris or decay in the tooth before we apply the filling. Once the tooth is clean, we’ll use the filling. We’ll cure composite fillings under a bonding light and then polish them to blend them into the tooth.
Metal and cast gold fillings will need two appointments. First, we’ll take a mould of the tooth to create the filling. You’ll be fitted with a temporary filling while the final product is being made. We’ll bring you in for your last appointment and fit you with the final metal or cast gold filling.