Dental fillings can combat decay and damage to your teeth.
At some point, even those with the greatest oral routine might need a filling. Generally used to fill in decayed areas of your teeth, fillings are also used after root canal treatment and to fix minor damage.
What are dental fillings?
A filling is a way to restore a tooth damaged by decay back to its normal function and shape. Decay causes cavities or holes in your tooth where bacteria can enter and grow. Modern dental fillings are made of tooth-coloured composite resin.
Do fillings hurt?
Most people consider the local anaesthetic the most painful part of the procedure! Fillings are regarded as a routine, minimal-pain procedure. You will have a numb mouth afterwards, though, so don’t accidentally bite your teeth or lip!
How do dental fillings work?
To prevent further decay and damage to your tooth, a dentist will place a filling to close off the space where bacteria can enter. The decayed part of the tooth will be removed and cleaned, and the cavity will be bonded and filled with a tooth-coloured composite resin.
Inlays and Onlays
When a tooth is too damaged to support a tooth filling but not damaged enough to need a dental crown, inlays and onlays are used.
A dental inlay fills the space in between the cusps or rounded edges at the centre of the tooth’s surface. A dental onlay works like an inlay but covers one or more cusps or the entire biting surface of the tooth.
Dental onlays are more durable and usually last longer than dental fillings. If cared for properly, a dental onlay can last up to 30 years! Your best bet for preserving the life of any dental restoration is practicing excellent oral hygiene. Brushing, flossing and visiting your dentist regularly will have a significant impact on the success of your dental onlay procedure.
Need a filling? Contact us today!