A filling is a way to restore tooth damage by decay back to its normal function and shape. When you get a filling from the dentist, they will firstly remove any decayed tooth material, clean the affected area and fill it with a filling material. Though disliked by many, most of us will need a filling at some point in our lives, and they are routinely performed by dentists every single day.
In recent times, there is a hugely diverse range of filling materials to choose from. However, this does mean that some options are more expensive than standard treatments, for example white fillings. Dentists will often recommend this treatment in places where the filling will be visible. Most patients in need of fillings will have one made of the material amalgam, which appear silver or black in colour.
No one type of filling material works for everyone. The material that is right for you is determined by the extent of the repair needed, and whether you have allergies.
Amalgam fillings are made from an amalgamation of multiple metals that can include tin, copper, silver and mercury. Whilst these fillings are not visually the most attractive option, they are very durable and can withstand demands of chewing and tooth-grinding, often lasting throughout a dental patient’s entire lifespan.
Gold fillings are made to order and cemented in place. Gold fillings work well alongside gum tissues and can last beyond 20 years. Many dentists will consider gold the best choice for fillings, though it is expensive and can require multiple dental visits.
Composite resins are made to match the same colour as your existing teeth, and for this reason are often used when a natural appearance is needed. The ingredients are mixed together by your dentist and placed directly where they are needed, where they will then solidify. Composite resin may chip or wear over time, so they aren’t ideal for larger fillings, and they can also stain easier than other materials.
Porcelain fillings are often referred to as inlays or onlays and are produced in a laboratory and then bonded to the tooth in need. They can be matched to the colour of your teeth and are stain resistant; however, they will generally cover most of the tooth and are an expensive option.
In situations where your filling has come loose, broken or fallen out, Dr Denti Tooth-Fil can be used. Tooth-Fil is a temporary filling material made to block lost fillings instantly. It is zinc oxide based and comes ready to use, just by adding water. Tooth-Fil works by bonding to dentine and enamel, making it ideal for successfully filling shallow cavities.
At Gap Dental, we can provide several fantastic Dr Denti products for home use, including Tooth-Fil. For more information, you can get in touch with the GAP Dental team by giving us a call on 01474 560618 or by visiting our contact page.