Need a tooth filling, are White Fillings the answer?

Need a tooth filling, are White Fillings the answer?

07/04/2021

Sooner or later you will probably need to have a tooth filled.

It’s a scary thought but 76% of UK adults have fillings of one sort or another. So what happens when your visit to the dentist results in the news that you require a filling.. A repair to a cavity caused by decay, chipping or gapping is called a filling. In extreme cases it may be necessary to put a top on the whole tooth, this is called a crown. There are a number of different types of filling, Amalgam, composite or glass ionomer. Amalgam is a mixture of metals usually silver, gold, mercury, tin or copper. Composite is made by mixing resin and a glass mixture. Glass ionomer which is a mixture of silicate glass powder and resin. White Fillings Burnham recommends composite fillings because they don’t contain any mercury and they are easy to mould to the correct shape. In addition, Composite fillings are easy to colour match to the rest of your teeth and are less likely to be affected by hot and cold food or drink.

How are fillings fitted to your teeth

The removal of all plaque, existing fillings and decayed material is essential to ensure that the new filling is placed on a clean surface. Once cleaned, the surface of the tooth will then be etched and coated with a gel and bonding solution, this process aids the bonding process.

When the area to be treated has been cleaned and prepared the filling material is carefully placed in either the cavity or the area to be repaired. At this stage of the treatment the filling is moulded to match the surrounding teeth and a curing light is used to harden the filling. Once hard, any trimming that may be required is carried out before polishing to make it look like your natural teeth. If you require a crown there will be a need to undergo root canal treatment before a cap is made that forms the top of your tooth to protect it from further decay.

Matches natural teeth

White Fillings Burnham are very cosmetically pleasing because they can be blended to colour match the surrounding natural teeth. The material is so pliable that it can be moulded easily to blend in with the natural tooth structure giving such a realistic result that it is difficult to identify the composite from the natural teeth. The polishing process further enhances the realistic results.

Caring for your teeth and fillings

All fillings require maintenance and your composite fillings can last a long time with the correct maintenance. Regular checkups are an essential part of anyone’s dental hygiene but between dental visits regular brushing and flossing are essential. Avoiding sugar which aids the decaying process and twice a year cleaning by a hygienist will extend the life of your fillings. If you grind your teeth at night or have an upcoming special event and your teeth are in need of repair, now is the time to book that visit. Once your teeth have been filled and repaired, you will be able to smile broadly in the knowledge that your teeth are in a healthy condition. Regular visits will highlight any problem areas which can be corrected easily and quickly.