Dental fillings are one of the most common types of dental procedures we carry out here at Rocky Ridge Dental, and we’ve performed countless amounts of them over the years.
Todays blog post is aimed at answering the most common questions we’ve received over the years about dental fillings.
If you have a question that you don’t see answered below, feel free to post it in the comments below and we will get back to you.
Why Do You Need A Filling?
Dental fillings are usually the result of a cavity developing in the surface of the tooth.
Cavities develop when bacteria build up on the outer surface of the tooth, which then corrodes the tooth itself.
This is one of the things your dentist will look for on your regular dental checkup visit.
Once a cavity is detected, your dentist will recommend a surface filling to avoid the cavity becoming worse and damaging more of the tooth.
What Is A Filling?
A filling is a dental procedure whereby your dentist will extract a small amount of your tooth and replace it with an artificial (and more durable) substance.
There are a lot of different materials that can be used in a dental filling, but the most common ones are usually porcelain or silver amalgam.
The main difference between the two is the color, and usually, porcelain is chosen over silver when the filling is in a visible area since it looks more natural than the metallic color of silver amalgam.
Which Is Better – Porcelain Or Silver?
As mentioned above, porcelain or composite fillings are usually chosen when the filling is to be placed somewhere toward the front of the mouth.
If you are concerned about the cosmetic aspects of a dental filling, you may want to consider opting for porcelain or composite material over metal.
Although composite fillings can sometimes cost a little more, their cosmetic advantages over silver metal fillings are highly noticeable in your smile and here at Rocky Ridge Dental we always recommend our patients to opt for composite.
How Long Do Fillings Last?
Providing you take good care of the tooth, your filling should last you a long time.
As a rough guide, you should expect a silver amalgam filling to last you anywhere between 10 to 15 years and composite ones to last around 5 to 7 years.
What If My Filling Cracks?
During your regular dental checkups, your dentist will inspect the integrity of your existing fillings to make sure they are still in good condition.
If your dentist detects any cracks or damage in your filling, they will usually be able to repair them.
Sometimes a repair is as easy as using more of the chosen filling material. There are some times, however, where it may be necessary for your dentist to completely remove your existing damaged filling before replacing it with a new filling altogether.
What Should I Do If I Think I Need A Filling?
If you suspect you may be in need of a filling, the best thing to do is to make an appointment to visit your dentist as soon as possible.
Here at Rocky Ridge Dental, our experienced dentists take the time to sit down and talk through your dental filling options and help you make the decision that’s right for you. To make an appointment, call us today on 604 986 9161.
