Dental Fillings

Dental fillings restore the function, shape and look of a tooth that is damaged. A variety of different materials are available for dental fillings. Examples of materials include composite resin, amalgam fillings, porcelain and gold fillings. Teeth require dental fillings when they are damaged due to dental decay, fractures, chipping or injury when playing sports or from a fall.

Usage of Dental Fillings

Dental fillings work best when used to replace small to medium sized areas of the tooth that are structurally compromised or damaged. Large areas of damage or decay require a dental crown. A dental crown ensures maximum stability of the tooth structure. If a dental filling is used for a large area of damage, there is a chance the filling will crack or fail.

White dental fillings are the most commonly used type of fillings for both front teeth and back teeth. The fillings are made to match the colour of your natural teeth for a seamless look. Metal or gold dental fillings are sometimes used on the back teeth to give teeth more strength and stability when chewing foods.

Getting a dental filling is an easy and straight-forward process. The first step requires that your dentist clean the area of decay or damage. After the area is properly cleaned, a suitable dental filling material is used to fill in the affected area of the tooth. A filling material is chosen that matches the colour of the existing teeth. The filling is shaped and contoured to give the tooth a natural look. Dental fillings are completed in just one visit if you require one or a couple of fillings.

If you have dental decay or injury to your tooth and you require a dental filling, call us to schedule an appointment. Treatment of dental decay or damage is important before it progresses and leads to pain and more costly treatment. Even if you feel no pain, a damaged tooth requires examination by a dentist. Untreated damage or decay eventually leads to pain and further damage to the tooth.