Fillings

SmileScription™

Fi l l i n g s chapter

five

A filling replaces part of a tooth that has been lost because of decay or trauma.

There are numerous ways to replace part of a tooth either using amalgam (silver fillings) or composite (white fillings) In some cases where the filling is very large the dentist may choose to produce an inlay either in porcelain, composite or gold. This is produced where the dentist takes an impression and sends the impression to the lab. The dental laboratory then produces an inlay that is filled into the hole in the tooth.

1

2

SmileScription™

Amalgams Mercury is a very powerful Neurotoxin, which has been shown to escape from the fillings and lodge into the surrounding tissue.

However the American and English

Are they as good a s S i l ve r f i l l i n g s ?

Yes, as long as they are placed correctly and good moisture control is maintained during the placement and the bite is correct.

What happens?

and overall result achieved.

Your dentist will…

1. Numb (place local anaesthetic) around the tooth

governing bodies maintain that it is perfectly safe although many dentists have stopped using it on health and aesthetic reasons.

Many men and women report that on removing these amalgam fillings

W h e n c a n’t white fillings b e co m p l e t e d ? missing, an inlay or crown

better. The newer white composites

may be more appropriate.

tooth cracking and fractures.

4 2. If decay is too extensive 4 3. If good moisture isolation

W h i t e f i l l i n g s / I n l ays Unlike silver (amalgam) fillings white filling material sticks to teeth hence giving the tooth strength.

the tooth, isolating it i.e. providing good moisture control.

can’t be obtained Not all white filling material is the same: There are many types of ‘white filling’

3. Remove any decay and /or old filing from the tooth 4. Wash and dry the tooth, prepare the tooth with etch – which is a mild acid in order for the glue or bond to stick the filling in place.

5. Places the composite filling into the

material your dentist may choose to fill

tooth and sets (cures) the filling in

White fillings come in all shades of ‘white’

your tooth with, such as: Glass Ionomer,

small increments with a special light.

and when colour matched correctly can

Compomers and Composites.

appear ‘invisible’ restoring the natural appearance of the tooth. This gives an all white beautiful aesthetic smile.

1

– rubber dam will be placed over

4 1. If too much tooth is

that the mouth feels fresher and looks and ceramic inlays can help prevent

2. In most cases a rubber sheet

Composites tend to be longer lasting

6. Trims and carves the filling to produce a life like tooth.

and more aesthetic, but remember there are many variations in composites

Local Anaesthetic: Yes

which will be reflected in the price

Number of Visits: One

2