Dental Fillings
At The Dental Clinic our highly skilled dental professionals are delighted to discuss fillings with you as part of your personally tailored treatment plan, meaning you will have the opportunity to choose the dental fillings you desire.
Dental Composite
Nowhere in dentistry has the rate of advances in technology been more apparent than in the science of dental composites. From one colour materials that suffered from excessive wear 30 years ago to highly advanced materials which can exactly mimic the appearance of your tooth and which are incredibly tough and long lasting. Composites are bonded into your tooth using state-of-the-art adhesive technology which can actually help to support the remaining tooth structure. Many people now have dental composites used for their fillings and it is often the case that when one of your old, grey dental amalgams needs replacing your dentist can use composite instead to restore the appearance of your tooth . At the front and back of your mouth dental composite can be the ideal choice
Dental Amalgam
For many years this was the most commonly used filling material. A grey metallic material which contains mercury, amalgam is tough and long lasting, but very unattractive due to its colour and also of concern to many people due to its mercury content. Another key problem with amalgam is that it expands and contracts in the tooth due to temperature changes and some people feel that this can contribute to tooth fractures and cracks developing. With the advent of high quality tooth coloured fillings, amalgam usage is now declining.
>> How Should I Care for My Teeth With Fillings?
To maintain fillings, you should follow good oral hygiene practices -- visiting your dentist regularly for cleanings, brushing with a fluoride toothpaste, and flossing at least once daily. If your dentist suspects that a filling might be cracked or is "leaking" (when the sides of the filling don't fit tightly against the tooth, this allows debris and saliva to seep down between the filling and the tooth, which can lead to decay), he or she will take X-rays to assess the situation. If your tooth is extremely sensitive, if you feel a sharp edge, if you notice a crack in the filling, or if a piece of the filling is missing, call your dentist for an appointment.
