Tooth Coloured Fillings

As the name suggests, fillings are used to fill up the hole that is left behind after the decayed part of a tooth is removed. Tooth coloured fillings are very popular because they mimic the look and feel of natural teeth and are not obvious like silver or amalgam fillings usually are.

Tooth coloured fillings are an aesthetic alternative to amalgam (silver) fillings. They are also called composite fillings. They are made of resin and glass particles that are long lasting and durable.

In the past amalgam was the strongest material available to fill cavities. With major advancements in technology, tooth coloured fillings (aka resin fillings) are now available.

This advancement allows the Brunswick Dental Group team to place restorations that are strong, durable and virtually invisible to the eye. These tooth coloured fillings are suitable for small to medium restorations in the front and back teeth and importantly they can be completed in one appointment.

The procedure involves: The removal of the decayed or fractured tooth substance, The cleansing and etching of the area for placement, Shade selection, The incremental addition of the resin material, The curing of this material with a blue light, The adjustment and smoothing of this restoration.

On completion you will have a restoration that is virtually invisible. You should care for this just like you would for your natural teeth.

The first step is to numb the area around the teeth that is going to be cleaned and filled up. After the local anaesthesia is administered you will not feel any pain while the procedure is being performed.

The enamel of the tooth is then drilled into to access the decayed area. The infection and decay are all cleared out and the area is thoroughly cleaned. Proper care is taken to make sure that the nerves in the teeth are not touched during this process. The filling is then put in and the treatment is complete.

The numbness may remain for a few hours till the anaesthetic wears off. You may experience some sensitivity, but this will typically vanish within a few days. It is important to check with your dentist if any symptoms or pain persist for a long time.

As with all dental procedures, you must follow good oral hygiene to maintain your teeth and gums in perfect health. Brush and floss daily. Food particles often stick to the surface and between the spaces in the teeth and they can lead to cavities. These can be easily removed if you follow a strict regimen of brushing and flossing.

Check your fillings once in a while to make sure they have not cracked. If this happens, you should consult your dentist at the earliest as infection can set in through the cracks in the teeth.

Fillings are not permanent – they may need to be replaced. Your dentist will take an X-ray of the teeth to verify if the fillings are cracked. Depending on the findings, they will suggest whether the filling needs to be replaced completely or partial filling will be sufficient.

If your teeth are prone to have cavities or if you have had cavities before, check with the dentist about the type of toothpaste to use. Some toothpastes have the ability to provide more strength to the teeth especially the enamel and thus prevent cavities from appearing.

Even if you find a cavity, don’t worry. As long as you seek treatment at the earliest, you will be able to save the tooth.