You may experience pain or sensitivity if you have cavities or holes in your teeth. You may be utterly unaware of smaller cavities because they are generally unnoticeable. Alpha Dental Clinic recommends visiting the Alpha Dental office in Perth frequently to avoid unwanted surprises!
A small cavity is often quite easy to fix, does not require local anaesthesia, and is affordable—the more extensive the cavity, the more expensive and complicated. If left untreated, cavities will cause long-term damage to your teeth and gums, and the pain will only worsen over time. The longer you wait, the more your natural tooth is destroyed, which may necessitate extensive treatment.
What is a Dental Restoration?
Dental restoration is a term that refers to general dental services that include fillings, teeth whitening, teeth straightening, and reshaping teeth. Although restorative dental work is usually low-risk and non-invasive, it can sometimes lead to increased tooth sensitivity if nerve endings in the gums become exposed after a root canal or tooth extraction.
Various types of tooth fillings can be used to restore your teeth to their original state. Some materials used to fill your teeth include composite, porcelain, gold, and silver amalgam. Enamel loss is a common cause of tooth decay and can result in tooth sensitivity.
One of the most common questions about fillings is how much they cost. It depends on a number of factors, including:
- The surface size of the filling
- Tooth position
- Type of material used in filling
What are Dental Fillings?
If a patient suffers from tooth decay or has a damaged tooth due to trauma, they may require a dental filling. A dental X-Ray will usually be able to identify if a filling is necessary. The dentist will extract the decaying tooth matter using specialist tools and insert the chosen filling into the tooth hole on the same day.
Three types of fillings can be used: dental amalgam, composite acrylic, or gold. They usually last a lifetime but, in some cases, may only last for 10-15 years. With regular brushing and flossing, the filling should last longer.
What are the Different Dental Filling Types?
At Alpha Dental, we offer several types of dental fillings. Our experienced dentists will discuss which option is best for you depending on the restoration location in your mouth, the extent of the repair, whether you have any allergies, and your budget.
Amalgam Fillings
Amalgam fillings combine silver, copper, tin, and mercury, creating a strong and stable filling material. It is easy to use, highly durable and resistant to wear, and relatively inexpensive compared to other materials. Amalgam fillings are recommended by dentists to be used for teeth located further back in the mouth that are not as visible because of the darker colour.
Composite Fillings
Composite fillings are made up of acrylic resin and finely ground glass-like particles. The combination of these materials produces restorations that look much more natural than other types of fillings. Composite fillings in small to mid-sized restorations that withstand moderate chewing pressure provide durability and fracture resistance. However, these fillings don’t last as long as other types as they are more prone to wear over time.
Glass Ionomer Fillings
Glass ionomer fillings are a type of tooth-coloured filling that easily bonds with tooth tissue. They slowly release fluoride over time, which helps to prevent decay under and around the filling. Glass ionomer fillings look natural. They are made to match your tooth colour but are not recommended for load-bearing teeth as they can wear down easily.
Gold Inlays & Onlays
Gold fillings are a great option for those looking for a long-lasting and durable solution for their dental needs. These fillings are custom-made in a laboratory and then cemented into place. They work well with gum tissues and can last more than 20 years if taken care of properly. Although gold is considered the best filling material, it is often the most expensive option.
Porcelain Inlays
Porcelain fillings are a popular choice for tooth fillings, as they can be matched to the colour of the natural tooth and are resistant to staining. They have a similar cost to gold fillings and are produced in a lab before being bonded to the tooth.
Tooth Filling Procedure Process
The filling is one of the quickest ways to restore the problematic tooth on the same day. The tooth-filling procedure is a five-step process that is fast and straightforward.
- You will be given local anaesthesia to numb the area around the tooth.
- The dentist will use a drill to remove decay and then shape the tooth for the filling.
- The tooth will be etched with an acid gel prior to placing the filling.
- Depending on your type of filling, the dentist may layer on the resin and harden it using a bright light.
- Once the filling has been placed, the dentist will polish the tooth.
Now you are ready to enjoy your new, strong, restored tooth.
How Long Does a Filling Take?
Depending on how long it takes for the anaesthesia to take effect, fillings typically take 15 minutes from beginning to end.
How Long are Tooth Fillings Supposed to Last?
The lifespan of your filling is determined by the material used, the location of the restoration in your mouth, and how well it is maintained. Composite, glass ionomer and porcelain fillings are typically expected to last up to 5 years. Amalgam fillings can last up to 15 years, and gold fillings can last over 20 years.
How Long Should a Tooth Hurt After a Filling?
After restoring a tooth, it’s normal to feel some sensitivity for a week or two. To prevent infection, your dentist might prescribe painkillers and antibiotics. Over-the-counter painkillers can also help manage the pain. If you’re still in pain after two weeks, it’s best to seek advice from your dentist.
Important things to remember before your next dental appointment:
- Dental fillings are used to restore teeth that are either worn down or damaged in some way.
- The type of filling material used will depend on your needs and what you want.
- The procedure for getting a tooth filling is actually quite quick, and you won’t feel a thing.
- You can help prevent the need for fillings by practising good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing your teeth twice daily.
At Alpha Dental, we focus on providing long-term solutions for our patients that will improve their oral health rather than quick fixes. If you’re looking for dental fillings in Perth, look no further than Alpha Dentist, your best dentist Perth. With our New Patient Package, you can take the first step towards better dental health. If you have discomfort that lasts longer than two weeks or any other unusual symptoms, please contact us right away; it might be as simple as your bite needing to be adjusted.