Dental Fillings: What Are They, Types, & Procedure

What are Dental Fillings?

As you go through life, your teeth are put under a lot of stress, and between sugary or acidic foods, instances of oral trauma, and grinding or general wear, your teeth can decay, chip, and crack.

Tooth fillings are a form of restorative dentistry which aims to repair damage done to a tooth by decay, chips, and cracks. Dentists will restore a dental filling to replace damaged areas of a tooth, allowing it to function as it should and reducing the chance of further decay and damage.

With some estimates predicting that as many as 90% of adults have experienced a dental cavity, most of us will likely receive a tooth filling at some point in our lives.

Types of Dental Fillings

Dentists use several materials to restore tooth fillings, each with benefits and drawbacks. Common dental filling materials include:

Amalgam Fillings

Amalgam fillings, also known as silver fillings, are a common type of tooth filling made from a combination of mercury, silver, tin, zinc, and copper.

With an amalgam filling, you can expect good durability, with common lifespans being around 15 years. This type of tooth filling also works well for larger cavities, can withstand hard chewing, and tends to cost less than most other fillings.

There are some significant drawbacks to amalgam fillings; however, the most noticeable being that mercury is unsuitable for use in children, pregnant women, or those with neurological or kidney conditions. Amalgam fillings can also expand over time, potentially leading to tooth fractures and cracks.

Composite Fillings

A composite filling combines tooth-coloured resin with plastic and glass particles to create a filling that should blend into your mouth. The fact that composite fillings are generally unnoticeable is their biggest benefit in the eyes of many people, but these fillings are also temperature resistant, bond directly to your tooth (for additional support), and are mercury-free.

You may be wondering, what is a composite filling's drawback, and unfortunately, the main one is durability. Unlike the long-lasting amalgam fillings, composite fillings tend to last between five and seven years. They are also less suited to larger areas of cavity and decay and require a longer installation process.

Gold Fillings

A gold filling is made from gold alloys and is one of the longest-lasting dental fillings you can receive. With a gold filling, you can enjoy up to 30 years of usage without replacement and feel confident that your tooth filling can withstand hard chewing.

One of the main drawbacks of a gold filling is cost, with gold fillings costing more than most other types of fillings. Moreover, though some enjoy the look of gold within the mouth, it does not blend naturally into the teeth like a composite filling. In rare instances, a gold filling may also trigger an electric shock-like reaction if placed in a mouth that already has an amalgam filling.

Ceramic Fillings

Ceramic fillings are typically made of porcelain and match the colour of your teeth to blend seamlessly into the mouth. As a result of their similar appearances, many people often wonder what the benefits of composite vs ceramic fillings are.

Ceramic fillings will last slightly longer than composite ones, typically not needing to be replaced for around 10 years, and are also more stain-resistant than a composite filling. Ceramic fillings are also not temperature sensitive and require less tooth removal than an amalgam filling.

On the downside, ceramic fillings tend to be a very expensive option and are not suitable for large areas of tooth decay. Installation is also a longer process, with a temporary dental filling required before a ceramic filling is fitted.

Glass Ionomer Fillings

Glass ionomer fillings are made of acrylic and glass, and blend in well with the rest of your teeth. They are often used for children as they can release fluoride, which helps prevent tooth decay.

Sadly, glass ionomer fillings are less durable than most other filling types, needing to be replaced around every 5 years or so. They are also not appropriate for areas exposed to a lot of chewing pressures.

CEREC Fillings

Cerec fillings are made of ceramic or composite resins. These fillings are made in a specialist CEREC milling machine that functions similarly to a 3d printer. They are made the same day in your dentist's office and can therefore be installed quickly and easily.

They are, however, a more expensive option, and not appropriate for areas of the mouth exposed to a lot of chewing pressures.

Dental Fillings Procedure

When restoring a dental filling, the exact procedure will depend on the dental filling material used, but there are some common steps.

1. Before any work can be done, your dentist will examine the cavity in your tooth using a variety of tools, including a probe, mirror, and x-ray.

2. Depending on the extent of your tooth cavity, the dentist will determine the best tooth filling material to use.

3. Once the material is decided, your dentist will apply a local anaesthetic to prevent any pain during the procedure.

4. Your tooth is then isolated to prevent any saliva from contaminating the procedure and keep the area dry.

5. Any area of decayed tissue is then removed, and the tooth is cleaned to prevent future decay and infection.

6. The dentist then uses the chosen material to reconstruct the removed area. Depending on the material used, a light lamp may be used to set the material in place and ensure that it is ready for normal function.

7. The new dental filling is polished, and a bite test is performed to make sure if it is comfortable and functional.

Recovering From a Dental Filling

Restoring a dental filling is a simple treatment, but there are still some things to be mindful of when recovering from the procedure:

• Avoid Hard Bites: In the weeks following the restoration of your tooth filling, try hard not to bite down forcefully on anything to reduce your chances of cracking your new filling.

• Avoid Hard Foods: As well as hard bites, avoid hard foods and try your best to chew on the side of the mouth not affected by the filling.

• Brush With Care: You can brush your teeth after a filling, but you should be gentler on the affected area.

• Don’t Grind Your Teeth: If you are prone to teeth grinding, then you should do your best to avoid it, or wear a mouthguard to stop it at night.

Problems With Dental Fillings

It is normal to experience some pain and sensitivity following a dental filling, but persistent and long-term complications should not occur. The following symptoms/problems may be a sign to check in with your dentist:

• Pain and Sensitivity:

Some pain following a dental filling is completely normal and nothing to worry about. However, if pain persists as a throbbing toothache, occurs when biting down, or is in response to a hot or cold trigger, it may be time to contact your dentist.

This type of pain may indicate an underlying condition or a problem with the fitting of your dental filling, so it is best to have it examined as soon as possible.

• Allergic Reactions:

A metal filling can cause an allergic reaction, not dissimilar to those experienced with a typical skin allergy. If you find that your mouth itches or rashes appear around it, you may need to have your tooth filling replaced with a hypoallergenic material.

• Tooth Decay and Tooth Filling Deterioration:

Over time, dental fillings can wear down. Tooth grinding, hard foods, oral trauma, and general use can all contribute to the gradual wear of fillings. If a tooth filling is worn down and left unchecked, bacteria can build up in the tooth and cause tooth decay.

Tooth decay treatment can involve replacing your tooth filling with a crown, which is a longer and occasionally expensive treatment. To lower your chances of tooth decay, visit your dentist for regular checkups on your general oral health and the health of your tooth filling(s).

Looking After Dental Fillings

To reduce your chances of tooth decay, a fractured tooth, or other conditions that can compromise a tooth filling, it is worth implementing the following lifestyle changes:

• Maintain good oral hygiene, brushing with care twice a day

• Limit your intake of sugary and acidic foods or drinks

• Limit or stop smoking and the use of nicotine products

• Stop grinding your teeth, or use a mouthguard if grinding is unconscious

Dental Fillings vs. Root Canals

Though a root canal and a dental filling will aim to treat tooth decay and bacterial infection, they are very different types of treatment. Root canal treatment goes far deeper than a tooth filling, entering the tooth and removing infected pulp – the innermost tissue (nerves and blood vessels) of your tooth.

Due to the invasive nature of the treatment, a root canal is finished by sealing the tooth with a dental crown, a fixture that covers the entire tooth, not just a single part of it. It is a longer treatment and slightly less common than tooth fillings.

Keep Your Smile Strong After a Filling with Oral-B

After receiving a tooth filling, maintaining good oral care is vital. With regular and gentle care, you can protect your new dental filling as well as your overall oral health by helping to minimise the chance of bacterial buildup, tooth decay and gum irritation. Oral-B is here to support your post-treatment care.

The Oral-B iO Series electric toothbrushes ensure a thorough, gentle clean – ideal for caring for sensitive areas around a filling. The round brush heads are dentist inspired, making sure to reach all surfaces effectively while being kind to the gums.

Pair your routine with flossing and regular dental check-ups to ensure your dental fillings stay in great shape. Oral-B advocates the importance of a complete oral care routine—because with the right tools and professional support, you can keep your mouth healthy and your smile bright, every day.