What is a tooth filling? Tooth fillings are a widely used dental treatment aimed at restoring the shape and functionality of a tooth that has suffered from decay or damage. Whether you’ve been told you need a filling or you’re simply curious about how they work, this guide will take you through everything you need to know—including the types of fillings available, the procedure, and how to maintain them for long-term oral health.
What Exactly Is a Tooth Filling?
A tooth filling is a dental treatment that repairs a tooth cavity, cracks, or minor damage caused by tooth decay or trauma. When decay eats away at the tooth structure, it creates a hole that can compromise the integrity of the tooth. To stop decay from spreading and prevent additional damage, a dentist removes the affected part of the tooth and fills the cavity with a suitable dental filling material.
This procedure not only restores the original shape of the affected tooth but also helps prevent bacteria from entering and causing more serious problems, such as the need for root canal treatment appointments.
How Do You Know If You Need a Tooth Filling?
Not all cavities or cracks are immediately obvious, but there are some telltale signs that might indicate you need a dental filling procedure:
- Tooth sensitivity with hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks
- Pain or discomfort when chewing
- Visible holes or dark spots on the tooth’s surface
- Rough edges or fractures you can feel with your tongue
- Food frequently gets stuck in a specific tooth
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, a dental visit is necessary to assess the condition of your teeth and determine whether a filling procedure is needed.
The Tooth Filling Procedure: What to Expect
Getting a tooth filling is a common and straightforward procedure that typically requires just one dental visit. The process is designed to restore the tooth structure after tooth decay has been removed, preventing further damage while maintaining both function and aesthetics.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what happens during a dental filling procedure:
1. Initial Examination and Diagnosis
Your dentist will begin by examining your affected tooth and assessing the extent of the tooth cavity. This may involve:
- A visual inspection for visible decay or cracks
- X-rays are used to assess the extent of the decay and identify any underlying dental concerns.
- Discussion of filling material options, such as composite resin materials, dental amalgam, porcelain fillings, or gold fillings
Once the dentist determines that a filling is the best course of action, they will move forward with the treatment.
2. Numbing the Tooth with Local Anaesthetic
To ensure a comfortable experience, your dentist will administer a local anaesthetic near the affected tooth. This numbs the area, preventing discomfort during the filling procedure.
Some minor tooth fillings, such as glass ionomer cement fillings used on small cavities, may not require anaesthesia, but deeper cavities will.
3. Decay Removal and Tooth Preparation
Once the area is numb, the dentist will remove the decayed portion of the tooth’s surface using a dental drill, laser, or air abrasion tool. The objective is to fully remove tooth decay while preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible.
- The dentist will contour the cavity to ensure a proper fit for the dental filling material.
- If the decay is near a nerve, a special liner may be placed to protect it
- The tooth cavity is cleaned to remove debris and bacteria before the filling is placed
4. Placing the Dental Filling
Once the cavity is prepared, the chosen filling material is placed in layers to fill the space left by the removed decay. The type of dental filling used depends on factors such as tooth location, cost, and patient preference.
- Silver fillings (amalgam fillings): Metal-based and packed into the cavity before being shaped
- Composite fillings (tooth-coloured fillings): Applied in layers and hardened using a special light
- Porcelain fillings (ceramic fillings): Custom-made in a dental laboratory and bonded to the tooth’s surface
- Gold fillings: Also created in a dental laboratory and cemented into place
For composite resin materials, the dentist will use a special light to cure (harden) the layers of composite material. This process ensures the tooth-coloured fillings are durable and properly bonded to the tooth’s surface.
5. Shaping and Polishing the Filling
After the filling material is in place, the dentist will:
- Trim and shape the filling to match your natural tooth structure.
- Assess your bite to confirm proper alignment and ensure comfort.
- Smooth and polish the tooth’s surface to prevent irritation or roughness.
- Polishing helps the filling blend in with the other teeth, particularly for tooth-coloured fillings used on front teeth or visible areas.
6. Final Adjustments and Aftercare Advice
After completing your dental filling procedure, your dentist will offer aftercare guidelines to help maintain the durability of your tooth fillings.
- Avoid eating or drinking until the local anaesthetic wears off.
- Be mindful of temporary sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods.
- Practise good oral hygiene to prevent further decay.
- Book regular dental visits to assess the condition of the filling and ensure its longevity.
Most patients can resume their usual activities right after their dental appointment. However, if you experience ongoing discomfort or sensitivity, it’s best to consult your dentist for further evaluation.
What If You Need a Temporary Filling?
- You need emergency dental treatment for a severe cavity or broken tooth
- A root canal treatment appointment is required before placing a final filling
- A custom-made gold or porcelain filling is being prepared in a dental laboratory
A temporary filling is not designed to last long, so you will need to return for a permanent filling procedure within a few weeks.
What Are the Different Types of Fillings?
The choice of filling material plays a key role in determining durability, cost, and aesthetics. Here are the most common types of fillings:
1. Amalgam Fillings (Silver Fillings)
- Made from a combination of silver amalgam, other metals like mercury, tin, and copper
- Extremely durable and long-lasting (can last 10–15 years or more)
- Less expensive compared to gold fillings and porcelain fillings
- Have a dark colour, making them more noticeable in visible areas
2. Composite Fillings (Tooth-Coloured Fillings)
- Made from composite material, which is a mix of plastic and fine glass particles
- Matches the same colour as natural teeth, making it ideal for front teeth
- Requires a special light to harden the composite resin
- Less durable than amalgam fillings but still a good option for tooth-coloured fillings
3. Porcelain Fillings (Ceramic Fillings)
- Fabricated in a dental laboratory and bonded to the tooth
- Highly aesthetic and resistant to staining (resist staining)
- Often used for large cavities or those in visible areas
- More expensive than composite fillings
4. Gold Fillings
- Made from gold mixed with other metals for added strength
- Extremely durable (lasting 15–20 years or more)
- A premium option that is more expensive than other dental fillings
- Requires at least two visits to the place, as they are crafted in a dental laboratory
5. Glass Ionomer Fillings
- Made from glass ionomer cement, which releases fluoride to help prevent further decay
- Often used for fillings in children or for non-load-bearing areas
- It is not as strong as composite resin materials or porcelain fillings
6. Temporary Fillings
- Used as a short-term solution when multiple treatments are needed
- Often placed in cases where emergency dental treatment is required
- Must be replaced with a permanent filling material within a few weeks
Choosing the Right Filling Material for You
The choice between gold or porcelain filling, composite resin, silver amalgam, or glass ionomer depends on several factors:
Location of the cavity: Front teeth require tooth-coloured fillings for aesthetics, while back teeth need more durable materials.
Budget: Gold fillings and porcelain fillings are more expensive, while silver fillings and composite fillings are more affordable.
Durability: If you need a long-lasting option, amalgam or gold fillings might be the best choice.
Your dentist will recommend the most suitable option based on your needs.
How Long Do Tooth Fillings Last?
The longevity of a filling is determined by the material used, oral hygiene routine, and lifestyle habits. Below is a general estimate of how long various fillings typically last:
- Amalgam fillings: 10–15 years
- Composite fillings: 5–10 years
- Porcelain fillings: 10–15 years
- Gold fillings: 15–20 years
Regular check-ups with your dentist and good oral hygiene can extend the life of your tooth fillings.
Maintaining Your Tooth Fillings
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss regularly to prevent new cavities.
- Avoid excessive sugary foods and acidic drinks.
- Use a mouthguard to protect your teeth if you have a habit of grinding them.
- Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups.
Final Thoughts
A tooth filling is a simple yet crucial procedure to protect your tooth’s surface from further decay and maintain overall oral health. With various different materials available, from composite resin to gold or porcelain fillings, you have options that cater to durability, aesthetics, and budget.
If you think you might need a filling procedure, don’t delay your dental visit. Addressing a decayed tooth early can save you from more extensive treatments down the track.
For more information on dental fillings, schedule an appointment with Available Dental Care today at (02) 4601 3828 for guidelines on dental filling materials and procedures.
References
- National Center for Biotechnology Information. (n.d.). Glass ionomer cement. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK582145/
- Healthline. (n.d.). Dental anesthesia: What you need to know. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/dental-anesthesia
- Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Cavities: Symptoms and causes. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cavities/symptoms-causes/syc-20352892
- Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Root canal. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21759-root-canal
