What are they?
A filling replaces part of a tooth that has been lost because of decay or accidental damage.
Unlike silver (amalgam) fillings, white fillings stick to teeth so they can be used to repair teeth (especially front teeth) that have been chipped, broken or decayed. They can sometimes be used in back teeth if there is not too much decay or damage.
You will probably hear the dentist talk about 'composite' or 'glass lonomer' - these are just different types of white filling.
What will my dentist do?
- normally give you a local anaesthetic to numb the area;
- remove any decay;
- remove some or all of an old filling;
- wash and dry the tooth by blowing water and then air onto it (the dentist will be holding something which looks like a water pistol);
- put the filling material into or onto the tooth and shape it;
- harden the filling by pointing a bright light at it, inside your mouth (you will see the dentist and dental nurse protecting their eyes); and
- trim and polish the filling.
We endeavour to carry out composite (white) fillings where at all possible. If you are concerned about old or stained fillings that show when you smile or silver fillings that you would like replacing with tooth coloured restorations Dr. Dwyer will be happy to discuss this with you in detail at your initial appointment.
Composite (White) Fillings
Mercury (Amalgam) Free Filling
A composite filling (white filling) is:
- Mercury free
- Made of a tooth coloured plastic mixture filled with glass particles
- Used for restoring decay
- Used for cosmetic improvements
The advantages of White Fillings are:
- Composite filling integrates with the tooth – it doesn't weaken the tooth as a silver filling does.
- They are a more natural, attractive choice.
- Allowing us to fix smaller cavities.
- We now can make a smaller hole, since the white material can flow into small places.
- Due to the smaller hole, there is more of your own tooth left, leaving it stronger.
- Secondary decay is easier to spot beneath tooth coloured fillings.
- If damaged, they can be easily fixed.
- They are temperature and electrical insulators-resistant to extremes of heat and cold.
- Environmentally safe – no hazardous metal wastes to dispose of and no risk of mercury allergy.
- Composites bond to the tooth to support the remaining tooth to help prevent breakage.
- Composite insulate the tooth from excessive temperature changes.
- Composites (white fillings) last about 8 years with a range of 7 – 10 years.
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