Dental fillings are one of the most common and effective treatments for repairing teeth affected by decay (cavities) or minor damage. At Switch Dental in Lower Hutt, we offer a range of high-quality filling materials, including tooth-coloured composite, traditional amalgam, and glass ionomer, to restore the strength, function, and appearance of your teeth. Our experienced Wellington dentists are skilled in providing durable and aesthetically pleasing fillings, helping you maintain a healthy and confident smile. Learn more about how dental fillings can protect your teeth from further damage.
Tooth decay, commonly known as a cavity, is a progressive disease that damages the hard outer layer of your tooth (enamel) and can eventually affect the softer inner layers (dentine and pulp). It is primarily caused by bacteria in your mouth that feed on sugars and starches from your diet, producing acids that erode tooth structure.
If left untreated, tooth decay can lead to several problems:
- Sensitivity: You might experience sensitivity or pain when consuming hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks.
- Toothache: As decay progresses deeper into the tooth, it can cause persistent or throbbing pain.
- Visible Holes or Pits: In some cases, you might see a dark spot or a hole in your tooth.
- Bad Breath or Unpleasant Taste: Bacteria involved in decay can cause halitosis.
- Infection (Abscess): If decay reaches the pulp (the innermost part of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels), it can lead to a painful infection or abscess, potentially requiring root canal treatment or extraction.
- Weakened Tooth Structure: Extensive decay can weaken the tooth, making it prone to fracture.
- Difficulty Chewing: Pain or sensitivity can make it uncomfortable to eat.
Dental fillings are crucial for stopping the progression of decay, removing the damaged tooth structure, and restoring the tooth to its normal shape and function, thereby preventing these more serious complications.
At Switch Dental, we provide a comfortable and efficient dental filling procedure. Our goal is to restore your tooth effectively while ensuring you are at ease throughout the treatment.
The Dental Filling Procedure typically involves:
- Numbing the Area (Local Anaesthesia): For most fillings, your dentist will numb the tooth and surrounding gum tissue with a local anaesthetic to ensure you don’t feel any pain during the procedure.
- Removing the Decay: Using specialised dental instruments, your dentist will carefully remove all the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth.
- Cleaning and Preparing the Cavity: Once the decay is removed, the cavity is thoroughly cleaned and shaped to prepare it for the filling material.
- Placing the Filling Material: The chosen filling material is then placed into the prepared cavity in layers (for composite fillings) or packed in (for amalgam).
- Shaping and Polishing: After the material is placed and hardened (composite fillings are hardened with a special curing light), your dentist will shape the filling to match the natural contours of your tooth and ensure your bite is comfortable. The filling is then polished to a smooth finish.
Filling Materials Offered at Switch Dental:
- Composite Resin (Tooth-Coloured Fillings):
- These are made from a mixture of plastic and fine glass particles. They are a popular choice because they can be matched to the natural colour of your teeth, making them virtually invisible.
- Advantages: Excellent aesthetics, bond directly to the tooth structure (providing support), versatile for small to medium-sized cavities in front or back teeth.
- Amalgam (Silver Fillings):
- Amalgam has been used for many years and is a durable, long-lasting material made from a mixture of metals, including silver, tin, copper, and mercury.
- Advantages: Very strong, durable, cost-effective, particularly suitable for large cavities in back teeth where chewing forces are greatest.
- Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC):
- This material is also tooth-coloured and has the unique property of releasing fluoride, which can help prevent further decay.
- Advantages: Releases fluoride, bonds well to tooth structure. Often used for fillings in non-biting areas, for temporary fillings, or for fillings in children’s teeth.
Your dentist will discuss the best filling material for your specific situation, considering the location and extent of the decay, your aesthetic preferences, and your budget.
How long do dental fillings last?
The lifespan of a filling depends on the material used, the size and location of the filling, and your oral hygiene habits. Composite fillings can last 5-7 years or longer, while amalgam fillings can last 10-15 years or more with proper care.
Is getting a filling painful?
The area is numbed before the procedure, so you should not feel pain. You might feel some pressure, but our dentists ensure you are as comfortable as possible.
How do I care for my dental fillings?
Care for fillings just as you would your natural teeth: brush twice daily, floss once a day, and maintain regular dental check-ups and cleans.
Expert Filling Placement for Lasting Dental Health
When you need a dental filling, you want assurance of quality, comfort, and lasting results. At Switch Dental, we offer:
Skilled and Gentle Dentists
High-Quality Materials
Aesthetic Options
Focus on Patient Comfort
Clear Explanations
Preventative Advice
Address Tooth Decay Early – Book Your Filling Appointment in Lower Hutt
If you suspect you have a cavity or are experiencing tooth sensitivity, don’t delay. Contact Switch Dental today to schedule an appointment for a dental filling and protect your smile.