Tooth Coloured Fillings
At Phoenix Road Dental Surgery, our priority is to give you a healthy and happy smile. We aim to provide the best cosmetic and long-lasting fillings. If you’re suffering from the effects of tooth decay, dental fillings will help to repair this damage. Your teeth will also be restored to their original shape and function, maintaining your beautiful smile.
Tooth-coloured fillings are our preferred choice as they are much stronger than the traditional amalgam fillings providing a far better cosmetic result. This type of filling helps to restore the natural appearance of your teeth, as they blend in with your other teeth and bond well with the remaining structure.
What is a filling?
During a tooth filling procedure, filling materials are inserted to seal the hole left by removing the decay, otherwise known as cavities. This process prevents the spread of bacteria and further infection. Without a filling, damage from further decay can cause serious health issues and will require root canal treatment.
Types of dental fillings
At our Spearwood dental practice, we have a full range of filling shades allowing near invisible restoration of teeth and a natural-looking smile.
Made from mercury, silver, tin and copper, this filling material is both strong and inexpensive. Cast gold can also be used, but this is a very pricey option. On the other hand, traditional metal fillings are very noticeable and require a lot of preparation before they can be applied to your teeth.
At Phoenix Road Dental, our preference is to use tooth coloured fillings to restore your smile. Compared to traditional silver amalgam fillings, the main advantage is that these materials are glued into teeth, strengthening the structure. The other obvious benefit is that they visually blend into your mouth, and we can choose a shade of white to match your teeth so that no one would even know they are there.
Composite resin is one of the most commonly used materials for tooth fillings. This tooth coloured or white filling material is initially soft, allowing them to be hand-shaped to your teeth. Blue light technology is then used to harden it, bonding the filling to your tooth. The method used for composite fillings requires less drilling with long-lasting results.
Porcelain fillings are another option for a natural-looking smile and have the advantage of being stain resistant, although the high-tech ceramic requires specialised technology.
Identifying tooth decay
Untreated decaying teeth can become a serious threat to your dental hygiene and overall physical health, as well as causing severe pain. Symptoms such as tooth sensitivity or pain when eating and drinking, visible damage or cavities, and flossing fissures (frayed flossing string after use) can indicate a need for a dental filling.
While you should visit your dentist regularly, you will need to book an appointment if you notice any of these signs as soon as possible. Your dentist will examine your mouth and identify the right treatment for your needs. You may require a dental crown to restore your teeth from extreme damage.
The filling treatment process
- During your appointment, your dentist will take an x-ray of your mouth to determine the extent of the damaged and decayed teeth.
- Your mouth will then be anaesthetised to prevent any pain and discomfort while the decay is removed.
- The remaining structure of your tooth is “etched” or filed so the filling material can bond to the tooth.
- Your dentist then tests the filling to ensure it fits properly, allowing you to bite and chew as normal.
After the procedure, the local anaesthetic will wear off within a few hours. You will need to wait until then to eat and drink, avoiding hot and cold liquids in the meantime. Although your teeth will be sensitive within the first few weeks after the treatment, you will need to see your dentist if any pain persists beyond that.
As usual, you should continue to brush and floss and make regular trips to your dentist for checkups and cleaning. A good oral health routine and regular professional care will ensure long-lasting results. Depending on the material used, fillings can last up to 12 years with proper care.
Restoring your smile at Phoenix Street Dental Surgery
We understand that damaged teeth can cause anxiety and shame for many people. We’re dedicated to providing friendly and professional care that puts you at ease and achieves the best results for your smile.
Get in touch with us to book a consultation and discuss how we can restore your healthy smile with tooth coloured fillings today.
tooth colored fillings