How To Tell If You Need a Dental Filling

Different types of fillings can get the job done if you happen to develop a cavity. Today our Mayfield Common Mall dentists explain why you'd need a tooth filling, and describe different types of fillings to consider.

Dental Fillings

These restorations are used to restore the structure, function and appearance of a tooth that's been damaged or decayed, alleviating tooth pain you may be experiencing.

Why Dental Fillings Are Used

A dental filling can have many potential purposes including fixing fractures, cracks, or tooth decay. They may help restore functionality to your tooth and in some circumstances, dental fillings can be used to make cosmetic improvements to your smile.

Signs You May Need A Dental Filling

While you should see a dentist to confirm whether you need a filling, here are some signs that you may have a cavity that needs a tooth filling. If you experience any of these, schedule an appointment with your dentist:

You feel a sharp or throbbing pain in your tooth.
When you examine your teeth, you see a hole or dark spot.
Your tooth is broken or chipped.
Your tooth feels rough to the touch.
Food keeps getting stuck between certain teeth.
An existing tooth filling has broken or cracked.
You've lost a tooth filling and need a replacement.

What Dental Fillings Are Made Of

Dental fillings can be made of a number of materials, from amalgam to composite, porcelain and gold. While each of these materials is safe and long-lasting, they also each have their own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to repairing a cavity or decay. Here, our dentists provide advice on how to make the right dental choice for you.

Porcelain Fillings for Strength & Appearance

Also called inlays and onlays, porcelain fillings are brittle, hard, and made in combination with metal. These are constructed in a dental lab and sent back to your dentist to place. These strong, tooth-coloured dental restorations are typically used on molars as they are more durable and longer lasting than a regular dental filling.

Because of the way these are created, these types of filling typically require two appointments.

Composite Fillings for a Natural Look & Feel

Because they are very similar in colour to natural teeth, composite fillings tend to blend in well with the surrounding teeth.

They look and feel natural, and are popular with patients who are concerned with how amalgam (grey) fillings may appear on teeth that are visible when they smile.

Dentists often like composite fillings because they are generally easier to sculpt and naturally bond to the patient's tooth. For this reason, your dentist will not be required to remove quite as much of your existing enamel when getting your tooth prepared.

Your dentist will remove tooth decay and add bonding material to the inside of the hole so the filling can be placed. Composite resin is then layered in the hole.

A curing light is used to harden each layer. When the last layer of resin has hardened, the filling will be carefully shaped to match your natural teeth.

Gold Fillings for Durability

Gold fillings can be made by taking a mold of your tooth. These fillings are made from a mixture of gold and other materials such as copper and silver, a cast gold filling is created in a dental lab and sent back to your dentist.

It will then be cemented in place inside your mouth. Though this type of filling is considered the most durable (typically lasting 20 years or more) it is also the most costly. You'll also require at least two dental appointments to have it placed.