Tooth fillings restore the shape, strength and function of damaged teeth. The process is quick and painless.
Your dentist numbs the tooth using a local anesthetic. You may feel some stinging but no sharp pain.
Next, your dentist removes the decay with a dental drill. Then they clean and prepare the space for your filling. If you’re getting a composite filling, your dentist may first etch the tooth. This makes tiny holes that the composite material can bond with.
Silver amalgam
Silver amalgam fillings are a combination of liquid (elemental) mercury and powdered alloy composed of silver, tin, and copper. The elemental mercury chemically binds with and reacts with the metal alloy particles, forming an amalgam that is hard, durable, and long-lasting. They hold up well to biting forces and are relatively inexpensive. Amalgam is self-sealing and resists leakage. However, it doesn’t bond directly to a tooth, so the dentist needs to drill and “undercut” the area in order to place an amalgam filling.
Some people are concerned about the amount of mercury that leaches out from amalgam fillings over time — and potentially into the body. They claim that mercury exposure may cause neurological and kidney damage. Pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as individuals with existing high levels of mercury bioburden, should avoid amalgams. The FDA states that it is safe for everyone else to receive amalgam fillings if they have no health concerns.
Gold
Gold dental fillings are made of an alloy metal and are incredibly strong. Dentists use them in molars and pre-molars that experience heavy wear from chewing and biting. They can withstand the forces of chewing and biting for years without wearing down, outlasting other dental filling materials.
The dentist will first numb the affected area using a local anesthetic. They will then clean and prepare the tooth to be fitted with a gold filling. They will then take an impression of the tooth, which they will send to a laboratory to be fabricated. Once the filling has been created, they will bring it back to your dentist’s office and bond it into place.
The benefits of gold fillings include durability, longevity, and a low likelihood of sensitivity or allergic reactions. They also require less removal of healthy tooth structure than other types of fillings, which helps preserve more of your natural teeth. They also don’t corrode like silver amalgam fillings.
Composite resin
A composite resin filling is a tooth-colored material that is used to repair tooth decay. This type of filling preserves more of the natural tooth structure than traditional amalgam fillings. It also provides a stronger and more attractive restoration. Composite resins are typically made of BPA-free materials. However, individuals with severe health issues should consult their dentist before having a composite filling.
Before the procedure begins, the dentist will dry and numb the area using specialized tools. Then, they will remove the damaged portions of the tooth and sterilize the area. The dentist will then layer the composite resin. Each layer is set with a curing light. After the last layer is placed, the dentist will shape the tooth and check the bite.
Unlike amalgam fillings, composite resin fillings blend in well with the surrounding teeth. They are also less likely to leak or break. However, they require more time in the chair than amalgam fillings and can cause sensitivity until the local anesthetic wears off.
Ceramic
Ceramic fillings are colored to match the exact color of your tooth enamel. They’re also less prone to staining than composite resin and can last for several years. Unlike metal amalgam fillings, which can cause allergies, ceramic fillings are a healthier alternative.
Porcelain fillings wear at a similar rate to your natural teeth and blend in beautifully with your smile. Moreover, they are much less toxic than mercury and silver amalgam. As a result, they’re also safer and more comfortable to have placed in your mouth.
Ceramic tooth fillings are known as inlays and onlays. They’re applied when the remaining tooth structure is too thin for a composite restoration, such as with chipped teeth. They’re also an ideal choice for larger cavities on molars and bicuspids, as they can withstand biting pressures. They can be made on site using the latest cad cam technologies, such as Cerec restorations.