Tooth coloured fillings

What are they?

A filling replaces part of a tooth that has been lost because of decay or through accidental damage.

You may hear the dentist talk about ‘composite’, ‘glass ionomer’ and ‘compomer’ – these are different types of tooth coloured filling material.

What will my dentist do?

Your dentist will:

• Usually numb the tooth and adjacent area with an injection – some small fillings may not need this.

• Remove any decay, together with any old filling material, and shape the cavity using a small, high-speed drill.

• Wash and dry the tooth by blowing water and then air onto it.

• Use one of a variety of means to isolate the tooth and keep it dry.

• Apply a special adhesive to the tooth, typically in two or three stages, and then place the filling, again in stages.

• Harden the filling material between stages of the filling procedure, by the use of a bright light shone inside the mouth – this is called ‘curing’.

• Trim the filling as necessary and then polish it, checking that you can bite together comfortably.

What are the benefits?

• A tooth needs less drilling for a tooth coloured filling than for a silver filling.

• Unlike silver fillings, tooth coloured filling materials, which come in different shades to match different coloured teeth, are glued into place, sealing the filling and helping to strengthen the remaining part of the tooth. Tooth coloured filling materials can be used in most situations, including the filling of back teeth and making front teeth look better.

• When used in back teeth, tooth coloured fillings look better than silver fillings, but take longer to place, partly because they are finished and polished in one visit. Tooth coloured fillings may not wear as well as silver fillings but they do have the advantage that they can be repaired, rather than replaced, as and when something goes wrong.

• The longevity of tooth coloured fillings is greatly extended by good oral hygiene.

Silver fillings

What are they?

A filling replaces part of a tooth that has been lost because of decay or through accidental damage.

Silver fillings are made of dental amalgam – a mixture of mercury with other metals, including silver, tin and copper. Amalgam is soft at first, but quickly becomes hard once placed in the tooth. Dentists use amalgam because it is tough and safe. However, there are alternatives to amalgam such as white fillings.

What will my dentist do?

Your dentist will:

  • usually numb the tooth and surrounding area with an injection – some small fillings may not need an anaesthetic.
  • Remove any decay, together with any old filling material, using a small, high-speed drill.
  • Remove any weak part of the tooth that might break later.
  • Shape the cavity, so that the tooth will hold the filling in place.
  • Possibly cut a cement lining in the bottom of the cavity before inserting the filling.
  • Pack soft amalgam tightly into the cavity – you might hear a squeaking noise as it goes in. The dentist might put a thin metal band around the tooth prior to packing the amalgam to help control the shape of the filling.
  • Carve the filling to fit the tooth.
  • Ask you to close your teeth together gently, to check that the filling is the right height and is comfortable.
  • Make any necessary small adjustments to the filling at the next visit.

What are the benefits?

  • A filling rebuilds the tooth so you can chew.
  • If decay is left unchecked, it can spread deep into the tooth, causing pain and infection. This could mean the tooth has to be root filled or even taken out.
  • A filling can prevent further toothache or discomfort.
  • Silver fillings are very strong and perform well in back teeth, where there is heavy wear from chewing. They do, however, have the cosmetic drawback of not being tooth coloured. Tooth coloured filling materials, which look better, require less drilling and can be repaired, are also available, but take longer to place and may wear less than silver fillings. Silver fillings are best used when existing silver fillings need to be replaced and in situations where the use of a tooth coloured filling material is difficult.

Speak to your local Clear Dental Practice to learn more.