Dental Fillings SE Calgary

If you have a decayed or worn-down tooth, dental fillings are the treatment of choice to restore it to its optimal health, appearance, and function. By filling the tooth, areas where bacteria can enter the tooth are closed off. This prevents further decay that may lead to infection and possible tooth extraction.

Dental restorations using fillings involve a quick and easy treatment. If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity or if you see a brown or dark spot or hole in your tooth, a dental filling can help resolve that. Schedule a visit with your dentist today to learn if it is just the procedure your tooth needs!

What are Dental Fillings?

Dental fillings are a single or combination of metals, plastic, glass, or other materials for the restoration of a tooth. It can be used to cover a cavity or decayed area of a tooth, repair a worn-down tooth from aging or misuse (nail-biting or teeth grinding), and restore a chipped or broken tooth.

Signs You May Need a Dental Filling

The most common telltale sign that you may need a dental filling is a visible brown spot on the tooth surface. This indicates the presence of decay. If a tooth is decayed, bacteria will only continue to spread until it is removed and repaired. Usually, the darker the discolouration, the deeper the decay is.

Other signs and symptoms that indicate that you may need to get dental fillings are:

• Tooth sensitivity
• Consistent toothache
• Hole in the tooth
• Chipped or fractured tooth
• Flossing string tears

If any of these are present, you should book a visit with your dentist so they can take a closer look at your tooth. Then, an X-ray will be taken to determine the extent of the decay or cavity.

Benefits of Dental Fillings

Dental fillings are a critical part of restorative dental care. They protect the tooth, preserve what is left of it, and help maintain a lifetime of good oral health. Among the many benefits of dental fillings, here are some of the most well-known:

Enhances tooth strength

A tooth with a large decay or cavity is vulnerable to breaking. This is because the tooth enamel, which provides most of the strength of the tooth, may have already been eaten away by bacteria. To resolve this, fillings can be used to rebuild lost enamel and enhance the strength of the tooth.

Restores function 

Your tooth relies on structure to support daily functions such as biting and chewing. With a properly restored tooth, you can use it to eat as comfortably as possible without worries about it breaking.

Improves the appearance of your tooth

Restoring a cracked or chipped front tooth can also be done with dental fillings. Your dentist will use tooth-coloured resin or porcelain so that the material can blend seamlessly when you smile.

Protects from further damage

Decay will only continue to harm your tooth unless it is removed. With restoration through fillings, you can avoid further decay and possible tooth extraction which can occur if the tooth is left untreated.

Releases fluoride for decay prevention

A certain type of dental filling is capable of releasing fluoride into your tooth. This can help stop the growth of bacteria, thus preventing recurring tooth decay.

Types of Dental Fillings

Several types of dental fillings are available in the market. Teeth can be filled with gold, porcelain, silver amalgam, glass, composite resin, or a hybrid composition of several materials. Factors such as the tooth of concern, the extent of decay, cost, and even insurance coverage determine the type of filling material that best suits you.

• Gold fillings – gold is considered the best filling material in terms of strength and long-term reliability. It is also most well-tolerated by your gums, so you can expect no allergic reactions. However, the colour makes it look unnatural and they can be expensive.
• Silver fillings – these are an inexpensive option and are resistant to wear. However, the dark colour makes it unsuitable for a natural restoration. It can also eventually discolour the gums and make them look grayish.
• Composite resin – this is an affordable option that can create a beautiful restoration. Your dentist can colour-match the material for a desirable appearance. The procedure also involves a quick and easy repair that can be completed in one visit. However, composite resin may stain and wear down over time, so they do not offer a long-term repair.
• Porcelain fillings – porcelain is a highly esthetic and wear-resistant material. With good care, they can last up to 15 years. Also, because of their lifelike finish, you can achieve the most natural-looking smile. However, this can come at a higher cost.

With several options available for dental fillings, a proper smile consultation is crucial. This can help your dentist understand your goals and expectations in the treatment and provide you with a suitable treatment plan.

What to Expect During Your Dental Filling Appointment

At Midpark Dental, we use composite resin as our treatment of choice for dental fillings. Modern dental fillings using composite use hybrid material that enhances the strength of the restoration while keeping it as natural-looking as possible.

Here’s what you can expect during your filling appointment:

1. Placing anaesthesia is the first step. This will enhance your comfort during the treatment, especially if there is a deep decay or cavity.
2. Removing decay using a small size bur. All bacteria must be removed to ensure that the decay will not come back. 
3. Filling the tooth is done layer by layer. The resin material is packed in the cavity and shaped so it is tooth-like. Each layer is cured with blue light to harden it in place and strengthen the restoration.
4. Polishing the composite removes surface roughness that can trap bacteria and cause problems down the road. This smoother texture creates a final finish that improves the aesthetic quality of the restoration.

How to Take Care of Your Dental Fillings

Good oral hygiene and dental visits for check-ups and cleaning are keys to keeping your dental fillings in tip-top shape. This will help avoid recurrent decay that can harm your existing fillings. It also prevents staining of your composite filling.

If you have a habit of grinding or clenching your teeth, you should consult your dentist for habit breakers such as a mouthguard. This will protect your fillings and teeth from wearing down easily.

Need a consult for dental fillings? Contact us today at Midpark Dental and discover your options for a better and healthier smile.