HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU NEED A FILLING?
When do you feel pain? Truth is, many decayed, cracked or worn-down teeth may not necessarily be painful. Some signs to look out for are:
- Sensitivity to hot or cold beverages
- Sensitivity to sweets
- Sensitivity to chewing
- A rough or sharp edge on a tooth
- Food caught between teeth
- Obvious or visible stains or dark spots
- Dental floss fraying or catching in certain spots
It is essential to visit a dentist regularly for routine check-ups, as many early-stage symptoms are intermittent and easily missed. Early detection often allows for treatments that are simple, cost-effective, and minimally invasive. You can learn more about general dental check-ups at DC Dental Clinic.
A filling can be used to repair cracked, broken, decayed, and/or worn-down teeth. This is especially important for cracked tooth repair and cosmetic tooth repair, restoring function so you can eat comfortably, relieve pain, and rebuild the original form of the tooth; critical for cosmetic dental fillings in the front teeth.
DC Dental Clinic offers a range of dental restoration options as part of its comprehensive Oral Health Services in Wangaratta. Materials include amalgam, composite resin (white filling), glass ionomer cement, gold, and ceramic.
AMALGAM
Amalgam fillings have been used by dentists since the 1800s and are made from a mixture of metals, consisting of an alloy of silver, tin and copper mixed with liquid mercury.
Amalgam fillings are noted for their durability, high strength and affordability. It is especially useful in cases where fillings may need to be placed in areas of high moisture, where other available dental materials, such as composite resin, may not adhere well to the tooth. However, it is not as commonly used nowadays due to its appearance and concern with mercury in the material. There is no available evidence at this stage to show the use of dental amalgam leads to adverse health effects, but it is important to discuss with your dentist if you are sensitive or allergic to mercury, or other metals in the amalgam, including silver, copper or tin.
It is not recommended to have your existing amalgam fillings removed or replaced if the fillings are in satisfactory condition. Removal of a sound filling may result in unnecessary loss of healthy tooth structure and expose the tooth to possible risk of further damage to the pulp (nerve). Intact amalgam fillings should not be removed for the purpose of preventing any disease or medical condition unless considered medically necessary by your health care professional.
COMPOSITE RESIN
Composite resin fillings are fast replacing amalgam fillings due to their more cosmetically pleasing appearance. Although the scientific data strongly support that amalgam fillings are safe, a new generation of composite resins that are stronger, more durable and cosmetically pleasing is gaining popularity.
GLASS IONOMER CEMENT
This is another “tooth-coloured filling” made of a mixture of silicate glass powder and an acid. This filling bonds well to the tooth and also releases fluoride contained within the filling, which helps to prevent decay. It is commonly the filling of choice for the sealant of permanent molars, fillings for deciduous “baby” teeth and as a base for deep fillings close to the pulp (nerve).
Inlays and Onlays
Inlays or onlays are fillings constructed outside of the mouth, custom-fitted to the shape of the cavity prepared on the tooth and fitted or cemented in the mouth. This is different from a filling that is placed directly in the mouth. Therefore, they are also known as an “indirect restoration”.
Inlays and onlays can be constructed from gold or ceramic. Gold is an excellent material to be used as it is strong, can be cast accurately, producing a well-fitting filling and is non-abrasive, thus protecting the opposing teeth. This is suitable for non-high cosmetic areas such as molars and is especially beneficial for heavily worn-down teeth and for patients with heavy grinding.
Ceramic inlays and onlays provide an aesthetic “tooth-like” filling where gold may not be a satisfactory choice. There are many types of ceramics with varying strengths. In stress-bearing areas, ceramics need to be placed in thicker cross-sections to increase stiffness, reducing the risk of fracture, so more tooth preparation will be required. Unlike gold, ceramic is also abrasive to opposing teeth, so it may not be a suitable material of choice for patients with heavy wear or grinding.
It is important that the appropriate material be selected for your individual needs. Your dentist will discuss this with you during treatment planning.