Fillings

Our cosmetic dental clinic in Egg Harbor is familiar with dental fillings. About 78% of people have at least one cavity by the age of 17, according to a 2000 report by the U.S. Surgeon General. Fortunately there’s a treatment for cavities: a filling!

Fillings seal a small hole in your tooth, i.e., a cavity, caused by decay. This prevents the decay (a bacteria-induced infection) from spreading further into and continuing on to the sensitive inner pulp (nerve) tissue located in the root canal. Should that happen, you would need root canal treatment.

There are a variety of materials used to fill teeth these days, but the process of filling a tooth is similar regardless. The first step is a clinical exam of the tooth with x-rays, to determine the extent of the decay. Then the decayed area of the tooth is removed, usually with a handheld instrument such as a dental drill. Of course, your tooth will be anesthetized first, so you won’t feel any discomfort. If you normally feel nervous about receiving numbing injections, it’s possible that taking an anti-anxiety medication or using nitrous oxide can help you feel more relaxed. After removing the decay, the remaining tooth structure is roughened or “etched” with a mildly acidic solution; then translucent cement is applied to bond the tooth and the filling material together.

Types of Fillings

There are two broad categories of dental fillings: metal fillings and tooth-colored fillings.

Metal Fillings

Amalgam: The classic “silver” filling in use for more than a century, dental amalgam is an alloy made up of mercury, silver, tin, and copper. The mercury combines with the other metals in the amalgam to make it stable and safe. These fillings are strong and inexpensive, but also quite noticeable. Additionally, they require relatively more tooth preparation (drilling) than other types.

Cast Gold: Cast gold, one of the more expensive choices, combines gold with other metals for a very strong, long-lasting filling. It is also highly noticeable, which can be considered a plus or minus.

Tooth-Colored Fillings

Composite: This is a popular choice because it’s virtually invisible. Composite is a mixture of plastic and glass, which actually bonds to the rest of the tooth. Composites are more expensive than amalgam fillings, and the newer materials can hold up almost as long. Less drilling of the tooth is necessary when placing composite as compared to amalgam.

Porcelain: These high-tech dental ceramics are strong, lifelike, and don’t stain as well composites do. They are sometimes more expensive than composites because they may require the use of a dental laboratory or specialized computer-generated technology. While considered the most aesthetic filling, they can also, because of their relatively high glass content, be brittle.

Glass Ionomer:  Made of acrylic and glass powders, these inexpensive, translucent fillings have the advantages of blending in with teeth and releasing small amounts of fluoride to help prevent decay. They generally don’t last as long as other restorative materials.

What to Expect After Getting a Filling

The numbness caused by your local anesthesia should wear off within a couple of hours. Until then, avoid drinking hot or cold liquids, and eating on the side of your mouth with the new filling. Some sensitivity to hot and cold is normal in the first couple of weeks after getting a tooth filled. If it persists beyond that, or you have any actual pain when biting, you may need an adjustment to your filling. Continue to brush and floss as normal every day, and visit our laser dentistry at least twice per year for your regular checkups and cleanings. Tooth decay is preventable; with good oral hygiene and professional care, you can make your most recent cavity your last!

For an appointment for a filling, contact our local dentist office near Egg Harbor! We’ll be happy to help you out.