Cavities can occur for a number of reasons, and dental fillings are an important part of treating them.
From restoring minor chips to full tooth reconstruction with this resin, we can repair cracks and chips in teeth and protect your teeth from further infection or damage after removing cavities.
What is a dental filling?
A filling is a treatment option to restore the function and shape of a tooth damaged by decay. Tooth decay occurs when the protective enamel around your teeth is damaged over time by acids the bacteria in your mouth produce. Without proper dental hygiene, the acids eventually result in a hole in your tooth, or a cavity. Left untreated for long enough cavities can become deeper causing problems with the root canal or even destroying the whole tooth.
During a dental filling, the dentist will first remove the decayed tooth material, clean the treatment area, and then fill the remaining cavity area with filling material. By removing the decayed tooth matter, and blocking of the cavity, fillings help to prevent further damage and maintaining the overall tooth structure.
What are the signs of needing a filling?
- Toothache
- Frequent sharp pains in the teeth
- Sensitivity to hot and cold foods
- Dark spot or hole in tooth
Why would you need a filling?
Fillings may be recommended for you if you have a tooth which has a cavity, which is too far gone to be treated with a fissure sealant. If you come in regularly for a check-up and clean, our dentist will be able to spot the first signs and will help to prevent the need of a filling.
What are the different types of fillings?
Fillings can come in a variety of materials. The most common types of fillings include gold, porcelain, and composite fillings. While amalgam fillings (an alloy using a combination of metalic elements) are also often used, at Noosa Parade Dental we don’t use these type of fillings.
The type of filling you receive will depend on the extent of damage done, whether you have any major allergies to certain materials and the cost. For example, gold fillings are often considered the best material, however, they require significant preparation time and are considerably more expensive than other options. Similarly, porcelain fillings (often referred to as inlays or onlays) are fillings that are produced in a laboratory and bonded to the teeth.
In contrast, with composite resin fillings the dentist will shape the fillings during the appointment, mixing and placing them directly into the cavity to harden. These are not only considerably cheaper than other filling materials but are made to match the natural colour of your teeth.
Here at Noosa Parade Dental Care, the type of filling material we use is a composite resin called Miris 2 by Coltene Whaledent, a two-layered enamel and dentine resin, mimicking the aesthetics and physical properties of these two individual layers of natural teeth.
In addition, for particularly deep fillings, we will put in a glass ionomer base in order to insulate the pulp of the tooth and encourage calcification. This not only helps to bond the filling, but also reduce any extra sensitivity.
How should I take care of my fillings?
Once you have your dental fillings in place, it’s vital to take care of them properly. Maintaining a proper oral health routine is vital. As well as regular brushing and flossing, consistent check-ups every six months can help to catch decay and clean your teeth before any more serious damage occurs.
It’s also important to keep track of your fillings and make sure the filling is not damaged. If you experience extreme sensitivity on a tooth which has had a filling, or a sharp edge, it may be a sign that your tooth is cracked or a piece of the filling is missing. If this occurs, be sure to book a dental appointment as soon as possible to fix your filling.
Dental Fillings In Noosa
If you have any of the signs of needing a filling, it is important to contact us as soon as possible so we can fix the problem! Get in contact with one of the friendly team here at Noosa Parade Dental in Noosaville, Sunshine Coast.