TOOTH-COLOURED FILLINGS

Tooth-Coloured Fillings

Tooth-coloured fillings are the most common treatment for dental cavities. We use them when tooth decay has progressed past the point where minimal-intervention techniques can heal cavities. Compared to metal amalgam fillings, tooth-coloured fillings offer many benefits by preserving tooth structure, bonding to the tooth to create a seal, and, of course, are more attractive.

If you have a cavity that needs a filling in Hawkesbury, please call  (02) 4501 7930 or book an appointment today with a dentist at Riverlands Dental in North Richmond.

Benefits of Tooth-Coloured Fillings

Although the Australian Dental Association (ADA) notes that metal amalgam fillings are durable and safe, there are many benefits to using a tooth-coloured filling. A tooth-coloured filling: 
  • Looks attractive 
  • Can be used in small areas 
  • Preserves your natural tooth structure 
  • Creates a seal with the natural tooth 
  • Can reduce temperature sensitivity 
  • Can release fluoride to help preserve teeth 
Of course, tooth-coloured fillings are more attractive than dental amalgam. Dental amalgam starts out silver, a shining advertisement that you have a filling. Over time, it turns black, which can make your teeth look unattractive and unhealthy.

Metal amalgams require a significant hole to be placed in your teeth. This partly means letting a cavity progress longer and partly means drilling out more tooth enamel.  Tooth-coloured fillings can be used in smaller spaces, so we can use them for smaller cavities, and don’t have to drill as much. Preserving your natural tooth structure is important. No replacement is as good as your natural teeth, and you can’t grow back lost tooth enamel. Once a filling is placed, it can become a potential site of new decay. Metal amalgam is simply packed into your tooth, it’s not bonded to the tooth and may not create a good seal. Tooth-coloured fillings bond to the tooth to seal out bacteria and acid. Metal-amalgam fillings can cause temperature sensitivity because metal is a good conductor of heat. Metal amalgam also expands when heated, which can also cause sensitivity.

In addition, some types of tooth-coloured fillings can release fluoride to help your tooth resist future decay.
  • Does It Hurt to Get a Filling?

    We can’t promise a pain-free procedure, but local anesthesia means that there is usually little to no discomfort. You might experience some soreness when anesthesia wears off, but this is typically minor.

  • How Long Do Fillings Last?

    Composite and GIC fillings generally last at least five years, and with proper care can last much longer. Ceramic fillings last 10-15 years or more.

Procedures for Different Types of Tooth-Coloured Fillings 

Once we detect a cavity at your checkup that needs a filling, we will usually schedule an additional appointment to perform the filling procedure. At your filling appointment, we’ll first remove any damaged tooth material. What we do next depends on the type of filling you are getting.
  • Composite Resin

    Composite resin is a sturdy plastic with embedded ceramic to make them even stronger. It starts out as a soft putty that can be spread into the prepared area. Before we put the putty into the prepared area, we will use an acid wash to improve the bond between the filling and tooth. Once the resin is in place, a special light causes it to harden. Then we polish the filling. After curing and polishing, these fillings look like natural tooth material.

  • Glass-Ionomer Cement (GIC)

    This type of filling starts as a powder that we mix with a liquid to create a self-curing mixture. It is the type of filling that releases fluoride, but it’s not as strong as other fillings. We prefer to use these fillings where they won’t be subjected to bite force. We don’t use an acid wash with GIC, nor does it need a curing light. We might apply a thin layer of composite resin on top of the GIC.

  • Porcelain Fillings

    Porcelain fillings are the most attractive and durable type of fillings. After we prepare the filling area, we will take impressions of it. We will fit you with a temporary filling. Then we will send these impressions to a lab, where the fillings are made, similar to a dental crown. Then the fillings are ready, we will bond them to your teeth.

Do You Need a Filling in Hawkesbury?

If you need a filling in Hawkesbury, we can help. Please call (02) 4501 7930 or book an appointment today with a dentist at Riverlands Dental in North Richmond.
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