An Insight into Types of Dental Fillings

• Dental fillings are a treatment used to repair and restore teeth that have been worn, decayed, or damaged. They involve the use of materials that can fill in parts of a tooth that has been affected and are then set hard to restore the tooth’s integrity and functionality​1​​2​.

• Fillings are necessary to maintain tooth structure and keep teeth functioning properly. This is after they have been compromised by decay or damage. They help prevent further decay by closing off spaces where bacteria can enter, are essential in restoring a tooth’s shape and strength, and ensure that the tooth can continue to perform its essential jobs like chewing properly​2​.

• Various materials are used for dental fillings. These include composite resin, glass-ionomer cement, dental amalgam, gold, and porcelain. Each type has its benefits and limitations, and some may be better suited to certain situations than others​3​.

• The Australian Dental Association (ADA) supports the continued use of dental amalgam as a safe, durable, and effective material for dental restorations. This is when used in appropriate clinical situations with proper mercury hygiene and disposal practices​4​. The ADA notes that amalgam has been used for over 150 years and extensive research has not linked it with health issues in the general population, except for specific vulnerable groups​.

The lifespan of a dental filling can vary depending on the material used and the individual’s oral habits. Amalgam fillings, for instance, can last between 10 to 15 years or more. On the other hand, composite resin fillings may need to be replaced every 5 to 7 years. Regular dental check-ups are crucial to monitor the condition of fillings and address any issues promptly​

Most dental fillings can be completed in one appointment. However, certain types like gold or porcelain inlays may require two visits: one to prepare the tooth and take an impression, and a second to place the custom-made filling

• Yes, there are tooth-coloured filling options such as composite resin and porcelain that can be matched to the natural colour of your teeth, making them a popular choice for their aesthetic appeal​3​.

• Composite resin fillings are made from a mixture of plastic and fine glass particles. They are tooth-coloured and can be closely matched to the colour of existing teeth. It makes them a preferred choice for visible areas of the mouth. They are bonded directly to the tooth, which can help to support the remaining tooth structure​3​.

• Signs that you may need a dental filling include tooth sensitivity, a hole in your tooth, pain when biting down, dark spots on the tooth, or food getting stuck in certain areas. Regular dental check-ups are vital as they can detect decay before it becomes symptomatic​2​​3​.

• While dental fillings are meant to be permanent, they can fall out due to further decay, trauma, or wear over time. If a filling falls out, it’s important to contact your dentist as soon as possible to have it replaced and prevent further damage or decay​2​.

• Gold fillings are known for their durability and strength, which can make them a better choice for long-term wear, especially on molar teeth. However, ‘better’ is subjective and depends on factors such as the tooth’s location, patient’s aesthetic preferences, and budget​1​.

Typically, the dentist will remove decayed tooth material, clean the affected area, and then shape the cavity to prepare it for the filling. This process may involve local anesthesia to minimize discomfort.

• Dental fillings don’t require special care, but good oral hygiene practices such as brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and regular dental check-ups are important to maintain them and prevent further decay.

• Glass ionomer cement (GIC) is a dental restorative material used for fillings which has the added benefit of releasing fluoride to help protect the tooth from further decay. It is less durable than other types of fillings, thus often used in areas that don’t bear heavy chewing loads.

• The process of getting a filling typically involves local anesthesia, which should prevent pain during the procedure. Some sensitivity or discomfort may occur once the anesthesia wears off, but this usually diminishes within a few days.

• For tooth-coloured fillings, the dentist will use a shade guide to select a composite resin that matches the colour of your natural teeth. This allows the fillings to blend in and appear almost invisible.

• The cost of dental fillings varies depending on the type of material used, the size of the filling, and the dental practice. In Australia, prices can range significantly, and it’s best to discuss with your dentist for an accurate estimate.

• Yes, it is possible to replace amalgam fillings with composite (white) fillings for aesthetic reasons or if the amalgam filling is failing. However, replacing sound amalgam fillings without clinical indications does not necessarily result in better health outcomes​2​.

• The procedure typically involves numbing the area around the tooth, removing decay, cleaning the cavity, and then placing the filling material. The filling is then shaped and polished to fit the bite and match the rest of the tooth.

• Prevention includes good oral hygiene practices like brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, reducing intake of sugary foods and drinks, and regular dental check-ups to catch decay early​3​.

• Fissure sealants are a preventive dental treatment where a thin layer of filling material is applied to the grooves of teeth, especially the back molars, to protect against decay by sealing out food and bacteria​1​.

• Temporary fillings are used in situations where a permanent filling cannot be placed immediately. This could be during emergency dental treatments, when multiple dental visits are required, or when awaiting a final restoration like a crown​1​.

• The ability to eat after a filling depends on the type of filling material used. Composite fillings harden instantly, allowing you to eat immediately, while amalgam fillings require at least 24 hours to harden completely, so solid foods should be avoided during this time​2​.

• Yes, after a filling, your dentist should check to ensure that your bite is even. If it’s not, they can make adjustments. An uneven bite can cause discomfort and problems with chewing​3​.

• Yes, maintaining good oral hygiene is essential after getting a filling. Brushing and flossing should not be neglected as they help keep the filled area clean and prevent infection​2​.

• Numbness after a filling is common due to the anaesthetic used during the procedure. It’s recommended to avoid eating or drinking hot beverages until the numbness wears off to prevent burns or damage to the filling​.

• Teeth grinding can damage your fillings and cause sensitivity or discomfort. If you have a habit of grinding your teeth, you should seek help from your dentist to protect your fillings​2​.

• It’s advised not to touch or poke the new filling, especially in children who may be curious about the sensation. Adults should also avoid trying to adjust any overfilling themselves and should consult their dentist​2​.

• After a filling, you should avoid sticky and hard foods initially as they can displace the filling or damage it before it has fully set. Your dentist will guide you on when you can resume eating such foods​2​.

• Mild to moderate pain or discomfort after a filling is normal. However, if pain persists for an extended period, it’s important to consult your dentist to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment​2​.