Dental fillings repair areas damaged by decay, wear, cracks or previous restorations. Several materials are available, including natural-looking white fillings that can be matched to the colour of your teeth.
What types of filling are available?
The most suitable material depends on the tooth, the size and position of the cavity, the pressure placed on it and the appearance you would like. Options can include:
- amalgam, which is silver coloured
- composite resin, which is tooth coloured
- glass ionomer, which is tooth coloured and releases fluoride
- gold inlays or onlays
- porcelain or ceramic inlays and onlays
What are white fillings?
White fillings, also known as composite restorations or composite bonding, are made from a tooth-coloured resin. They are bonded to the tooth and carefully shaped and polished to blend with the surrounding enamel.
What can composite bonding improve?
Depending on your clinical needs, composite may be used to:
- repair tooth decay and cavities
- restore small chips or cracks
- reshape short or uneven teeth
- close suitable small gaps
- mask some areas of discolouration
- replace old metal or failing fillings
What happens when a filling is placed?
The tooth is numbed when necessary. Decay or the failing filling is removed, and the area is cleaned. The chosen filling material is then placed, shaped to restore the tooth and adjusted so your bite feels comfortable. White filling material is set in layers using a curing light before being polished.
Will a filling always be suitable?
If a tooth has lost a large amount of structure, a filling may not provide enough protection. Your dentist may instead recommend an inlay, onlay or dental crown. All suitable options, likely longevity and costs will be discussed before treatment.
How do I look after a filled tooth?
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, clean between your teeth and limit frequent sugary foods and drinks. Regular examinations allow the dental team to monitor the filling and the tooth around it.
