Fillings
Fillings are used to replace lost tooth structure as a result of tooth decay, tooth breakage/wear or to enhance smile aesthetics.
At Deall Dental we use state-of-the-art composite resin technology for our fillings. We have a wide range of composite shades to match the existing colour of your teeth or, when suitable, to make your teeth appear whiter.
Reasons for composite fillings:
- Tooth decay
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Closing space between two teeth
- Worn teeth
As with most dental restorations, composite fillings are not permanent and may need replacing. However, they are very durable and will last many years given the right care.
Frequently asked questions
Obvious reasons you need a filling
Sometimes it is obvious you need a filling.
- You might have a hole in your tooth from large decay
- A filling might fall out
- Or you might fracture a tooth.
Subtle Symptoms
Other times you may experience more subtle symptoms such as:
- Pain to hot/cold
- A vague sensory awareness of a tooth.
Tooth decay can be completely painless
Sometimes teeth with decay or breaks can be completely painless and only be identified following a dental examination and x-rays.
The best approach is to attend regular dental check-ups (even if you don’t think you have a dental issue) to allow early detection of problems before they turn into bigger issues.
Yes. It is normal to experience sensitivity to hot and cold when fillings are first placed. This will subside shortly after your tooth settles with the new filling in place.
If sensitivity continues please call and schedule a review appointment – at no additional cost.
On average, a typical filling would last around 5-7 years.
Various factors can influence this such as:
- The location and size of the filling,
- Possible clenching and grinding habits
- Your diet and the level of oral hygiene you maintain.
Good oral hygiene practices, eating habits, and regular dental visits will help prolong the life of your filling/fillings.
No. Studies show you would need thousands of fillings in your mouth to leech toxic levels into your bloodstream.
Amalgam fillings should only be replaced if the filling is breaking down or if decay is present.
At Deall Dental we only use more modern dental filling materials like composite resin on our patients. We will replace amalgam fillings at the patients request for aesthetic purposes or if the filling is defective. We do not advocate simply replacing amalgam fillings if they are causing no issues.