A dental filling is used to fix a cavity (hole) in a tooth. You may need a filling if you have tooth decay, if the tooth has been damaged due to trauma or if decay is discovered on a dental x-ray.
There are various materials that can be used to fill a cavity (hole) in your tooth.
Composite resin
Composite resin is a white or tooth-coloured material. It can be matched to the colour of your other teeth. Composite resin filling material is bonded (glued) to your tooth. A small amount of your old tooth is removed when getting a composite filling.
Glass-ionomer cement
Glass-ionomer cement is also white or tooth coloured. It is not as strong as composite resin so is generally used on the outside surface of teeth which is not in direct contact with opposing teeth. It can also be used as temporary filling, to cover up the hole created between root canal treatment appointments, for emergency visits and fissure sealing.
Amalgam
Dental amalgam is a mixture of metals, including silver, copper, tin, mercury and zinc. It’s a very strong filling material, which has been used for more than 150 years. This was the main material Dr Basil used for back teeth when he first graduated in 1987 but it has now been replaced with composite resin as people prefer white coloured fillings rather than silver coloured fillings.
The downside of amalgam is that more of your tooth may need to be cut away to help the filling stay in place. Also, a small amount of mercury can be absorbed by your body from the filling. However, amalgam is safe and effective to use for most people and is supported by the Australian Dental Association. Amalgam is not recommended for children and pregnant or breast feeding women.
After you have a filling, your tooth might feel more sensitive when you eat something sweet, have something hot or cold or when you bite your teeth together. If it doesn’t settle after a few days you should come back to see Dr Basil.
Dental fillings do not last forever. Most of these fillings should last between 5 to 7 years, or longer, depending on its position in the mouth. They can become chipped or worn or change colour over time allowing food and bacteria to be trapped. It’s therefore important to visit Dr Basil for regular check-ups to keep an eye on your overall dental health.
