A dental filling is one of the most common, basic and effective restorative dental treatments offered today. It is used to repair minor and moderate damage to the teeth caused by tooth decay, wear or trauma. The filling will stop the damage from continuing and allows the teeth to be used fully for chewing. Bacteria in the mouth feed off any remaining sugar from food/drink and release acidic substances that eat away the strong enamel covering. This creates tiny holes which become bigger and form into cavities.

If left untreated the tooth decay will travel deep into the inside of the tooth and affect the sensitive nerve tissue causing extreme pain and infection. Knowing what dental fillings are and how they work will help you take control of your oral health.

1. What Is A Dental Filling?

A dental filling is a bio-compatible material used by dentists to repair damaged teeth.

  • Repairing The Teeth – Closes up any holes caused by decay allowing you to chew and bite normally without any problems.
  • Prevents Decaying – Closes up any tiny holes completely to prevent any bacteria and food entering the tooth. This prevents further decay.
  • Minimal Damage – As modern dentistry focuses on repairing with minimal damage, only the damaged parts will be removed leaving as much of the natural tooth intact as possible.

2. When Will You Need A Dental Filling?

Tooth decay is the most common reason people receive fillings. However, there are other reasons you will need a filling to repair the damage.

  • Active Decay (Cavities) – The most common reason for needing a filling is due to bacteria causing some decay in the tooth. This causes a hole in the enamel.
  • Cracked/ Chipped Teeth – Teeth can crack due to trauma such as sports, or biting down hard on something causing the enamel to chip.
  • Tooth Erosion – Acidic foods, constant acid  (GERD) or aggressive brushing can cause erosion of the enamel. This exposes the dentin.
  • Teeth Grinding – Grinding your teeth at night can cause the teeth to become flat. This can cause micro notches near the gum line .
  • Old/Damaged Fillings – Over time fillings will become worn, leaky or cracked due to the pressure from chewing. They will need replacing clean.

3. Symptoms That You Need A Dental Filling

Tooth decay often doesn’t cause any symptoms in the early stages so regular check-ups are important. However, there are certain symptoms that will indicate you need a filling.

  • Pain – Pain in a specific area of the tooth, sudden sharp pain or pain when biting down is a sign of decay or damage.
  • Sensitivity – Sharp pain when drinking hot coffee, ice water, eating sugary foods or breathing in cold air. This shows that the dentin is exposed.
  • Dark Spots/Holes – Seeing dark brown, black or dark gray spots on the chewing surfaces or sides of your teeth indicates there is an active cavity.
  • Cracked/Chipped – Feeling a rough/chippy surface when running your tongue over the tooth shows there is a crack.
  • Floss Tears – If your floss keeps tearing in one place between two teeth then there may be some hidden decay or a sharp cavity.

4. Types Of Fillings

There are various types of fillings available.

  • Composite (Tooth colored) – This filling is made from a tough mix of plastic resin and glass particles. They are matched to the color of your teeth giving a natural look. These are great for front/back teeth.
  • Amalgam (Silver fillings) – These are a traditional type of filling containing silver, tin, copper and mercury. They are very strong, long lasting and affordable. Great for non visible molars in the back of the mouth.
  • Porcelain/Ceramic  – These are a bespoke type of filling made in a lab. They are very stain resistant, natural looking and strong.
  • Glass Monomer – This filling is made from a mix of acrylic and glass particles. Over time they release fluoride to protect the teeth from decay. Often used for fillings near the gums, children’s teeth and temporary fillings.
  • Gold Inlay/Foil – These are very strong and bio-compatible. They can withstand extreme pressure from chewing for many years with no expansion/contraction. However they are more expensive.

5. What Happens During A Filling?

A filling is a fast, simple and virtually pain free treatment. Usually taking 30-60 minutes.

  • Anesthetic – The dentist will numb the area using a topical gel and local anesthetic.
  • Decay Removed – The dentist will remove the decayed, softened and bacteria ridden part of the tooth using specialist tools or laser.
  • Clean & Etch – The inside is cleaned, disinfected and etched with a gentle gel.
  • Apply Filling – If you have a composite filling the dentist will apply the tooth colored filling in thin layers. This will be shaped to fit your teeth perfectly and set instantly under a special blue light.
  • Check Bite – The dentist will check your bite using articulating paper. Any high areas will be filed down and the filling polished.

6. Aftercare For A Filling

After receiving a filling you should take care of your teeth.

  • Don’t Eat/Drink – Don’t eat any solid foods or drink hot drinks for 2-3 hours while the numbness wears off to prevent you from biting your tongue/lips/cheeks.
  • Sensitivity – You may experience some sensitivity to pressure for a few days. This can be easily treated with anti-inflammatory.
  • Brush & Floss – Brush twice daily with a soft bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste. Floss daily around the teeth.
  • Don’t Use As Tools – Avoid chewing on hard items such as ice cubes or unopened popcorn kernels. Also don’t use your teeth to open plastic.

Daily Routine To Avoid Needing Fillings

  • Brush your teeth thoroughly twice daily for 2 minutes using fluoride toothpaste and a soft bristled brush.
  • Floss daily to remove plaque and food from between your teeth.
  • Try to limit foods high in sugar, sticky sweets and fizzy drinks.
  • Drink lots of plain fluoride water throughout the day.
  • Use a bespoke night guard if you suffer from teeth grinding at night.
  • Visit your dentist every 6 months for a check-up and cleaning.

FAQ’S

How Long Do Fillings Last?

Depending on the type of filling, which tooth and your oral hygiene the filling can last varying amounts of time. Composite fillings usually last between 5-10 years. Silver fillings can last between 10-15 years. High quality gold/ceramic inlays can last between 15-30 years.

Does It Hurt?

No! The dentist will numb the area using local anesthetic. You may feel some pressure and vibration but there will be no pain.

Can Cavities Heal?

Sometimes early tooth decay can be reversed. If the enamel is losing minerals (white spot lesions) high fluoride treatments, improving your diet and keeping your teeth clean can reverse the decay. Once the decay has caused a hole in the enamel it won’t heal and a filling is needed.

What Happens If I Don’t Get A Filling?

If you leave a cavity it will get worse. The bacteria in your mouth will eat deeper into the tooth traveling through the dentin and into the pulp chamber. Eventually you will suffer with severe toothache, infection in the root canal, painful abscesses and will need your tooth extracting.

A filling is a safe, effective and low invasive way to save your natural tooth. By knowing the signs of tooth decay such as sensitivity, pain or chipped enamel you can seek treatment early. Work with your dentist to have regular check-ups every 6 months to keep your teeth strong and healthy.