Tooth Fillings

When a tooth has cavity, it will need dental fillings. The decayed and damaged part of the tooth is removed and then the area if filled with material to protect the tooth from further damage. The filling material may either be gold, composite resin, silver amalgam or porcelain.

• Gold fillings are very strong and durable. Gold is naturally resistant to corrosion so a filling made of this material can last at least 15 years. However, gold fillings are expensive and not exactly aesthetically pleasing, which is why it’s usually reserved for the back teeth.

• Composite resin is very natural-looking however this filling material can only last up to 5 years.

• Silver amalgam is affordable and durable at the same time. However, this filling material doesn’t have the most ideal color and does not blend well with the rest of your teeth.

• Porcelain fillings are nearly as expensive as gold fillings however this material combines the durability of gold and the attractiveness of composites, making it the ideal choice for many.

Procedure

Before treatment, local anesthesia will be given to numb the area surrounding the tooth. An instrument will then be used to clean the cavity and remove the decayed part of the tooth, along with debris and bacteria. Once the tooth is ready, the filling material will be placed and then allowed to dry using a special light beam. The filling will then be shaped and polished to achieve the desired result.