About Dental Fillings
Dental fillings are typically used to treat teeth that suffer from cavities, or have been cracked or broken. Also, cases when your teeth have been worn due to misuse – such as tooth grinding or nail biting – may also lead to the need for a dental filling. The steps involved with a tooth cavity filling are quite straightforward. First you will have your initial appointment where we will take a close look at the problem, and determine what course of action to take. Should fillings be required, the area will first be numbed with the help of a local anesthetic, and a drill, laser or air abrasion instrument will be used to remove the decayed material from the cavity.
Once the cavity is clean, it is time to add the filling material. Now, depending on the type of filling you want, there are several options that may be available in terms of the materials used: amalgam, ceramics, cast gold and glass ionomer are some of the best known options.
Aesthetic & Protective Benefits of Fillings
There are many benefits to dental fillings, here are just a few:
- When the tooth involved is only affected by decay, the filling procedure will typically take less than an hour to complete.
- Tooth-colored fillings usually offer a natural appearance, being indistinguishable from your natural teeth.
- Some types of tooth filling materials, such as composite fillings, can bond directly to the tooth, making it significantly stronger than with any other type of filling.
- Fillings are quite resilient, typically lasting between five and seven years. There are fillings that can last for up to 15 years – for example, gold cast fillings.
- Fillings are usually covered by your dental insurance.
Common Questions about Dental Fillings
Q: Is the procedure painful?
A: While every case is different, most of our patients tell us that have a filling at our clinic was painless. Some patients; however, may experience pain when biting or applying pressure to the tooth for a few days after the procedure.
Q: Is there a material that is better than any other?
A: Composite resin is usually considered the best choice due to its ability to bond, its natural color and its superior strength.
Q: What’s the strongest and most affordable type of filling you’d recommend?
A: Amalgam fillings are typically strong enough to withstand the forces of chewing and more resilient to moisture. These dental fillings are also much more affordable than other alternatives. If aesthetics are a concern, composite resin is usually considered the best choice.
Scheduling Your Free Smile Assessment
If you are ready to take the next step, call 08 6244 0089 and friendly and knowledgeable staff will be happy to schedule your free consultation with Dr. Furlan. You can also use our online appointment form below or visit the contact us page of our website.
* Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risk. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.