Tag: dental fillings

The Different Fillings Available At Dublin18 Dental Care Near Deansgrange

Much like with the innards of a sandwich, a different variety of fillings are available. We are, of course, talking about dental fillings.After all, you are on a dental blog!

A recap of what a filling is

Before we start talking about variations, let’s make sure we’re on the same page regarding the basic theme: The purpose of a filling is to protect and restore the functionality of a tooth. The most common way they operate is to fill holes in a tooth which have been caused by decay. Fillings also help to prevent further infection by blocking off the entrances by which bacteria would enter.

So why are there so many types of filling?

Amalgam fillings

These are the grey ones. In fact, if you had a filling done quite some time ago, it is probably an amalgam filling. They are formed from a combination of metals, are incredibly durable, perfectly functional and quite cheap to boot! The main problem with them is that they stick out like a sore thumb.

Composite fillings

These little guys, unlike their Amalgam brethren, are pretty much indistinguishable from your real teeth. They can even be matched to the colour of your teeth for maximum camouflage! They are not, however, ideal for big cavities as, over a prolonged period of time, they can chip and wear down. They stain quite easily and tend to have a lifespan of three years but, despite this, they remain popular as a result of their aesthetic advantages.

CEREC Onlays

Onlays are similar to crowns in how they are fitted, but they operate just like dental fillings. They, like composite fillings, can be coloured to match your teeth and can produced in house. This means that you can leave with perfect fillings after a single visit!

Fissure sealants

These are not so much fillings as they are ways to prevent needing fillings. The surface of your tooth consists of various pits and fissures where plaque, hidden from the reach of your tooth brush, can lurk and cause trouble. Fissure sealants create a barrier over these areas and stop plaque from building!For more information on the different fillings available please contact the team at Dublin18 Dental Care near Deansgrange.

 

Patients Near Dublin18 Area Find Out the Different Filling Options that are Available to Them

We all know the importance of good oral hygiene. Regular brushing, flossing and use of mouthwash are essential to maintain good teeth and prevent the build-up of bacteria. However, occasionally even the most careful of us can still experience problems with our teeth. This is where fillings can prove useful. Fillings can be used for two predominant reasons: to provide protection against further bacterial build-up in the tooth, or to strengthen and protect a tooth which may have been slightly decayed. Fillings may occasionally be recommended to help with other issues too, including malocclusion (having an incorrect bite) and helping a patient to chew correctly. Fillings are usually only used to help teeth with less serious types of damage. While these functions are shared by all types of filling, the different types of dental filling are suited to different needs for different patients.

Amalgam fillings

Amalgam fillings are made from metal, usually a mix of metals including sliver, copper, mercury and tin. This means they can be noticeable as they do not match up with the natural colour of teeth. However, this type of filling is incredibly strong and can withstand great pressure asserted by bites. This also ensures longevity; with correct care, amalgam fillings can last up to twelve years.

Composite fillings

Composite fillings meanwhile are made of a soft material which can be moulded to the exact shape of the tooth. While they are not as long-lasting as amalgam fillings, usually lasting around five years, they provide a much better look cosmetically, as composite fillings can easily be made to match the colour of the surrounding teeth. This procedure is best suited to smaller fillings that do not need to withstand great pressure. The CEREC procedure, using new technology, similarly allows for ‘invisible’ fillings, and can be completed in one appointment.

Contact Dublin18 Dental Care for further information on your suitability for this procedure.