5 Important Things to Know About Getting Dental Fillings

What are Dental Fillings?

A dental filling is a restoration placed in a tooth to restore its original shape and size.
They are used to repair teeth that have been damaged by decay, cracks, or other types of damage. These fillings can be made of different materials including, amalgam (silver), composite resin, porcelain, gold, or glass ionomer cement.

Dental fillings are used to treat tooth decay and restore the tooth’s lost structure. The dentist near you will remove any decayed or damaged areas of the tooth and then “fill” it with a filling material. There are many different types of dental fillings, but they all work similarly: they seal off any holes in the teeth, preventing bacteria from getting into them and causing more damage.

Before getting dental fillings in Downtown Toronto, there are five things you need to know:

1. The teeth fillings come in different materials

There are four main types of dental fillings: amalgam, composite resin, gold, glass ionomer, and porcelain. The filling you will receive will depend on your preference, the location, and the severity of the tooth decay.

• Amalgam fillings

Dental amalgam fillings are the most common type of filling material for teeth. They are made from a combination of metals, usually mercury, silver, tin, and copper.
Dental amalgam is an alloy mixed with liquid mercury to create a malleable filling material to fill cavities in teeth. Amalgam fillings can last for many years and are less expensive than other types of fillings.

• Gold fillings

Gold fillings are a filling made from gold and other metals. They are often used to fill cavities in teeth. Gold fillings can last for many years and may not need to be replaced as often as other types of fillings. They are also a bit expensive compared to the rest of the fillings.

• Tooth-colored dental fillings

Tooth-colored fillings are also known as composite resin fillings. The best thing about them is that they look natural and blend in with the color of your teeth, so they are unnoticeable.

• Ceramic fillings

A ceramic dental filling is tooth-colored, which means that it can blend in with the natural color of your teeth. They are expensive as the gold fillings and also last much longer.

2. They are used to fix other dental problems too

Cavity filling is the primary function of these dental restorations. However, the dentist can recommend teeth fillings to repair damaged teeth. They fill the gaps created by the loss of tooth structure. They also restore the shape and strength of a tooth by filling in the space created by injury or a cracked tooth.

3. The dental filling procedure is short

The first step in getting a dental filling is to remove any decay from the tooth. This can be done by drilling into the decayed area and applying an antibacterial solution. The Downtown Toronto dentist will then shape the tooth, place cement on top of the hole, and use a tool to press it into place. The composite filling is applied in layers until the desired shape is attained.

The procedure may be longer for the gold and ceramic or porcelain fillings. This is because the dentist in Downtown Toronto takes an impression to make the fillings at the lab before fixing them.

4. Aftercare is important

It is important to take a soft diet for the first 24 hours after the fillings are fixed. Also, avoid foods and beverages that can stain the composite fillings. Do not forget to maintain proper dental hygiene to prevent decay and cavities.

5. The filling setting time differs

It takes time for the fillings to set, and it varies from person to person and from one type of filling material to another. The type of material being used also affects the setting time. For example, mercury amalgam sets more quickly than composite resin fillings, which take longer because they are applied in layers.

Schedule an Appointment

Visit Rusholme Family Dentistry for more information about tooth filling treatment and what you can expect during and after the procedure.