Fillings

General Dentistry Services: Gum Disease & Hygiene | Crowns | Bridges | Dentures

The concept of a “filling” is replacing and restoring your tooth structure that is damaged due to decay or fracture with a material. We can replace old, broken-down amalgam/metal fillings that contain traces of mercury with white fillings (composites) that will make your teeth stronger and your smile more attractive.

With today’s advancements, no longer will you have to suffer the embarrassment of unsightly and unhealthy silver/mercury fillings or metal margins of the past. Eliminate the dark, black appearance in your teeth with new-age, state-of-the-art, tooth-coloured resin or porcelain materials.

There are different filling materials available such as Composite and Amalgam.

Composite

These are white fillings that can improve your aesthetics. They can be used to improve your smile by matching, as closely as possible, to your natural tooth colour. They can be reshaped or repaired to fix chipped or broken teeth to ensure your smile is as natural as possible. Not all fillings can be replaced using composite but your dentist will advised you of the best treatment.

Amalgam

Amalgam, or silver filling, are the most common material used to fill decaying teeth. Although they are silver in colour, they are a lot more durable than composites and in some cases, would be more beneficial to have Amalgam.

Comparing White Fillings versus Silver Amalgam Fillings

White fillings bond to the tooth; which mean they are great for repairing chipped or broken teeth. They also provide a more natural appearance.
White filling composites are less noticeable than Amalgam and can be restored as closely matched to your natural teeth colour as possible.
Hot and cold sensitivity is greatly reduced with composite material compared to the silver/mercury amalgams.
Restorations with composites require less removal of tooth, less structure to place than those with amalgams and especially with new cavities. Dramatically smaller holes are needed with a composite.
White fillings are healthier because no traces of mercury are used, unlike silver amalgams.

Although composite fillings have their benefits they are not always suitable for restoring teeth and Amalgam has to be used. Further discussion on the best option for you can be discussed with your dentist.

Brush and floss twice daily to prevent future decay. Excessively hard foods should be avoided because they can damage the filling.