A radiant smile can illuminate a room. However, you must keep your teeth white and healthy to achieve this kind of smile. Apart from proper, regular care and constant attention, dental fillings contribute significantly to the preservation of dental health. They help restore damaged and decayed teeth, ensuring your smile remains bright. In this blog, we will delve into the world of tooth fillings. We will explore their types, benefits, placement process, aftercare, and how they play a role in achieving a healthy and confident smile.

What Are Dental Fillings?

Tooth or dental fillings are human-made tooth restorations put in teeth with a hole or cavity from decay. They essentially plug the cavity and prevent it from deepening or growing. Apart from treating cavities, dental fillings also treat minor tooth fractures, cracks, and damage. They help restore and protect the tooth’s structure, appearance, and function.

Signs You May Need Dental Fillings

The primary sign that you need tooth fillings is if you have cavities. The sole way to determine if you have cavities that necessitate fillings is by visiting a dental professional. There are usually signs you could notice that may tell you you need tooth fillings. These are:

  • A jagged feeling in the tooth whenever you run your tongue over it—cavities eat away at the tooth surface. You may be able to feel the roughness using your tongue.

  • A noticeable hole in your tooth—if a tooth cavity has grown too much, you may have a noticeable hole in the tooth. If that happens, you will likely need a dental visit for fillings.

  • Tooth pain or sensitivity—one of the signs that you need a filling is when you have a toothache or sensitivity. This may mean you need a dental visit.

Dental Fillings

Fillings are generally made from different materials with unique applications and advantages. The most prevalent types of tooth fillings include silver amalgam, ceramic, glass ionomer, and tooth-colored composite resin fillings.

Ceramic or Porcelain Fillings

Ceramic fillings are made from porcelain, making them both cosmetically appealing and durable. The restorations cost more than other types. However, they are tooth-colored and withstand abrasion and stains better than composite resin tooth fillings.

The disadvantage of ceramic fillings over composite resin is that they are more brittle. Therefore, they should be used on large cavities to prevent breakage. The dentist may enlarge the site undergoing treatment to make space for the additional bulk.

Composite Resin Tooth Fillings

Composite resin dental fillings are the most prevalent type of fillings most dental professionals use. They are made from resin and plastic materials. The dentist places them in a tooth while still soft and then hardens them using a bright curing light. Composite resin fillings are a popular option. Most people like them because the dentist can customize them to mirror the natural teeth color. Hence, they are almost invisible.

That said, composite tooth fillings are not as conspicuous as amalgam ones. On the downside, they are not as durable as some other types. They can survive a maximum of ten years. Once this period elapses, a replacement may be necessary. These fillings are the best for small and medium cavities in mouth areas where moderate food chewing occurs.

Glass Ionomer Fillings

Glass ionomer fillings are made from a combination of glass and acrylic. They are usually used in minors whose teeth are still developing. These fillings release fluoride into the tooth to safeguard it from further decay. However, the fillings last only a few years as they are not as strong as composite resins and will wear or crack sooner or later. Standard glass ionomer tooth fillings do not look natural, like composite resin fillings.

Amalgam Dental Fillings

Before the invention of composite fillings, dentists used amalgam fillings. These tooth fillings are molded from a mixture of silver, tin, copper, mercury, and zinc metals. They have been a prevalent option for long as they are strong and durable. They are also the least costly of all dental filling materials. Regular amalgam fillings can last up to 15 years. Dentists find them easy to use since they are easily shapeable.

The primary disadvantage of these dental fillings is that they are not aesthetically pleasing. They are dark and thus noticeable when you smile, laugh, or open your mouth. Consequently, they are a less preferable option for visible teeth.

Also, amalgam material can respond to changes in temperature by expanding and contracting. These temperature fluctuations can make the tooth crack. The fluctuations might lead to the formation of a gap between the tooth and the filling. This gap may trap bacteria and food, resulting in the formation of more cavities. Despite the controversies surrounding mercury in these fillings, studies have found them safe for use.

Gold Filings

Dental professionals customize gold fillings in a lab and securely cement them into place. Gum tissues tolerate gold fillings well. The fillings also have remarkable durability, usually lasting up to twenty years. Most dental professionals consider gold the ideal filling material because of its durability. However, these fillings are generally the most costly option and necessitate several dental visits. Even though they have exceptional longevity, they are less aesthetically pleasing than tooth-colored options.

Dental Filling Placement Procedure

Dental filling placement is a regular, efficient, and almost painless procedure. Dentists carry out this procedure to restore the tooth's function and health. The process starts with the dentist ensuring your comfort.

They will administer a local anesthetic to numb the affected region of the tooth. The numbing is so you do not feel discomfort, sensation, or pain during the process. This ensures you feel relaxed, enabling the dental professional to work painlessly and efficiently. The numbness wears off within some hours after undergoing the procedure.

After numbing the area and making you feel relaxed, the dentist will remove the decayed tooth section using a specialized drill. This is a crucial step as it removes the underlying cause of the issue, preventing further tooth deterioration. The dental professional will then clean the site to remove bacteria and debris. Cleaning ensures a bacteria-free and clean space for the dental filling.

After the cleaning, the dentist will put your selected filling material into the cavity. As mentioned, there are various types of filling materials. Thus, you can select one that suits your preferences and needs. The dentist places the filling material layer after layer, ensuring it fits snuggly and provides optimal support for the tooth’s structure.

Precision is crucial during the cavity-filling process. The dental professional must skillfully sculpt and shape the restoration to match your natural tooth's contours. This will ensure the surrounding tooth enamel and the filling blend seamlessly. This shaping restores the tooth’s functionality and contributes to its aesthetic appeal. The dentist may need you to bite down on the filling to ensure it is not too high and is comfortable.

Once they have finished filling the cavity and shaping the restoration to perfection, they will polish it. Polishing leaves the filling glossy and smooth, enhancing its appearance. It also helps minimize the likelihood of plaque buildup, enhancing better hygiene around the treated site.

Throughout the entire procedure, the dentist prioritizes your well-being and comfort. They give clear instructions and answer all your questions. They also ensure you are comfortable and understand what happens at each stage of the procedure. The process is efficient and quick, enabling you to return to your daily chores with little disruption while showing off your restored and healthy smile.

You may experience some tooth sensitivity for some days after undergoing the procedure. This is prevalent and usually ends on its own.

Direct Vs. Indirect Fillings

Dental fillings are classified as either direct or indirect. Direct fillings are those that dentists fabricate directly in the mouth. Prevalent materials for direct fillings are composite resin, amalgam, and glass ionomer. These materials can easily be hardened in place. The dentist places them directly into the cavity in the mouth, and the process requires only one dental visit. Direct fillings are less costly than indirect ones. However, they are not as strong as indirect fillings and might not last as long.

Indirect Fillings

Dental technicians mold indirect fillings in a laboratory before the dentist puts them in place. Most of these restorations necessitate two dental visits.

The first visit is for the dentist to remove existing filling or decay from the tooth. They will then take dental impressions to capture the affected tooth’s shape and the shape of the adjacent tooth. The dental professional will send the impression to a lab, where the dental technicians customize indirect fillings to fit your tooth’s specific dimensions. Meanwhile, the dental professional will place a temporary dental filling in the tooth until the permanent ones are ready.

At the second visit, the dentist removes the temporary fillings and places the permanent ones, ensuring a precise fit. If the restoration fits satisfactorily, the dentist permanently cements it into place.

Onlays and inlays are the two types of indirect fillings. Dental professionals use them when there is too much tooth damage to support a tooth filling but not too much tooth damage to warrant a dental crown placement. Inlays fit within the cusps on the tooth’s surface. They are applicable when the damage has not extended past the cusps. Onlays cover a single or several cusps. They are also called partial crowns since they give more extensive support and coverage than inlays.

An onlay or inlay fits into the existing tooth structure like a small puzzle piece. Porcelain and gold are the common materials for indirect fillings.

Maintenance and Aftercare

Proper aftercare of fillings ensures their durability and maintains your general oral health. Consider the following essential tips:

  • Regular dental checkups: Set up routine dental appointments for checkups and professional cleanings. Your general dentist can check the condition of your fillings and tackle any concerns immediately.

  • Maintain your oral hygiene: Follow proper dental-related hygiene practices. This includes flossing once daily and brushing at least twice daily. Also, use mouthwash. It keeps the mouth clean and free from plaque accumulation.

  • Avoid particular foods: Avoid chewing hard foods (ice included) or non-food objects to prevent damage to the fillings. You should also lower your beverages and sugary foods intake since they can lead to dental caries.

How Long Will Tooth Fillings Last?

The durability of tooth fillings is based on various factors. These include the following:

  • The location of the restoration in the mouth,

  • The kind of filling material used, and

  • Your overall oral hygiene routine.

On average, tooth fillings last anywhere between five and fifteen years. They can even last longer if you take proper care of them. Amalgam dental fillings, popular for their longevity, can last fifteen or more years. Although aesthetically pleasing, composite fillings might require replacement every five to ten years.

Regular dental checkups are crucial to observe the fillings' condition. They also help catch any indications of damage or wear early enough. Proper oral hygiene habits, like flossing, brushing, and routine teeth cleaning, significantly influence the longevity of fillings. Should you experience any changes in your bite, sensitivity, or discomfort, consult your dentist immediately. These may be symptoms that your dental restoration needs replacement or examination. An early visit to the dentist will ensure your smile stays vibrant and healthy.

When Do You Need to Replace Dental Fillings?

Tooth fillings often last a long time but eventually wear out, requiring replacement. You exert pressure on these dental restorations when you chew food or clench or grind your teeth. This might eventually make them leak, fall out, or crack. Your dental professional can detect worn-out fillings at your routine dental examination. When your fillings show wear signs, it is wise to have your dentist replace them.

  • Inform your dentist during regular checkups if you notice any worn areas or cracks in your fillings. Alternatively, you can call your dentist to schedule an appointment before your checkup due date.

  • Neglecting to care for and maintain your dental fillings might result in pain, cracked teeth, and root canals. Amalgam fillings might shrink and leak. Your dentist might recommend replacing the restoration with a partial or full-coverage crown.

  • Color changes: If you realize that your fillings are becoming yellowed or darker, it is a sign that they need replacement. Consult your dental professional to know whether it is time for a replacement.

  • Sensitivity or pain at the treatment area: As mentioned earlier, dental fillings can leak over time. This means bacteria can enter the tooth underneath the filling. Eventually, this could cause an infection in the tooth root, necessitating root canal therapy. If you feel sensitivity in the treated area, you want to replace the fillings.

Possible Problems With Dental Fillings

Knowing the possible problems with fillings is crucial to avoid more damage. The following are complications to look out for:

  • Fillings may break, crack, and fail. This could be due to life and sports accidents or pressure while chewing. You want to assess this problem with your dentists as soon as possible.

  • Fillings might shrink and pull away from the tooth. See your dentist immediately to address this problem.

The Benefits of Choosing Dental Fillings

Dental fillings have various benefits compared to other dental restorations. These include:

  • They enhance oral health: If not treated, dental cavities will continue eating away at the tooth structure, leading to tooth loss. Fillings eliminate decay and prevent the growth of tooth cavities, protecting general oral health. Good oral health reduces the likelihood of gum disease and other dental-related problems.

  • They are long-lasting: Your fillings can last up to ten years. However, for them to do so, you must properly care for them through good, daily oral care.

  • They provide secure bonding: Composite resin fillings bond directly to the tooth's surface, creating a secure attachment to the tooth.

  • The treatment achieves natural results: Your dental professional will match the fillings to the natural teeth color, making the filling almost unnoticeable. Composite fillings are ideal for the front teeth, where a filling might show whenever you smile. Composite resin filings can also be utilized to repair cracked and chipped teeth.

  • They are aesthetically pleasing: white or composite fillings provide the best aesthetic because dentists can make them resemble your natural tooth's color. They blend flawlessly with natural teeth, improving the smile without drawing attention to dental work.

  • They preserve natural teeth: Dental fillings bond directly to the tooth. Therefore, the dentist only needs to remove a little enamel to create space for them. This preserves the natural tooth structure, preventing the need for more in-depth treatments like crowns or extractions.

  • Restored functionality: Tooth fillings restore a tooth's functionality, enabling you to speak, chew, and bite easily. Also, by covering up fractures and cavities, fillings stop the spread of cavities, protecting the tooth from further damage.

Contact an Experienced Dental Professional Near Me

We perform all dental procedures at Los Angeles Advanced Dentistry, including placing dental fillings. We have various tooth-filling materials available to accommodate your budget and needs. Our dentists will establish the best filling materials for teeth. Contact us now at 310-361-2080 to schedule an appointment for dental fillings and other general dental services in Los Angeles, CA.