Fillings
A dental filling is used to restore the function and integrity of missing tooth structure as a result of decay or trauma.
In the past, teeth were commonly filled with a mixture of metals (amalgam, “silver filling”). Today that is changing as more naturally looking, metal-free fillings are becoming the preferred choice of many patients. Such tooth-colored fillings are made from durable plastics called composite resins. They are not only similar in color and texture to natural teeth, but also allow more conservation of a tooth structure than other types of fillings because they are bonded to the tooth. In addition, tooth-colored fillings are compatible with dental sealants – a tooth can be filled and sealed at the same time to prevent further decay.
Fillings are placed in a single procedure. A soft restorative material is placed into the prepared tooth and built up in layers which are instantly set with a special light. Optional color modifiers (tints) may also be used to reduce brightness and intensity of color, to mask stained areas of the tooth or to simulate areas of translucency necessary to obtain a life-like effect of the restoration.
Tooth-colored fillings work best in small-to-medium restorations and low-stress areas. Therefore, they may not be recommended for a large cavity especially on the chewing surface of a back tooth or for people who grind their teeth. Where strength is required, especially as the fillings become larger, other treatment options should be considered (inlays, crowns).
Composite fillings have a life expectancy of from 2 to10 years on average. The main reasons for their failure are decay and fracture of tooth and/or restoration. They may also need to be replaced for esthetic reasons since they tend to stain or discolor over time.
Take care of a tooth-colored filling the same way you take care of a silver filling: brush, floss, and visit your dentist. Any filling will last longer with good oral hygiene. The dentist will regularly check your fillings for color change, leakage, or unusual wear and inform you of the need for repair or replacement.