Dental fillings have been around in one form or another for centuries, and if we’re being honest, most of us have at least one. Until fairly recently, fillings were purely amalgam (silver), but now we also have tooth-coloured or white fillings, which are ideal if someone is looking to seamlessly protect teeth without that tell-tale glint of silver.
We exclusively use white fillings for our patients, tailored to their specific needs and requirements. Find out more about how the process works and how they help below.
Dental fillings are essentially used to protect teeth from further cavities. Once the problem area is cleaned out, a resin-like material is placed into the cavity area. As the resin is cured, it forms an impenetrable barrier that protects the tooth.
In some instances, the cavity is too large to fill. In these instances, we make what are known as inlays and onlays, which sit either on the bite surface of the tooth or within a section of the tooth.
Again, inlays and onlays act in the same way as dental fillings, protecting teeth by stopping bacteria from entering.
Choosing between a white filling, inlay/onlay, or crown depends on the extent of the dental issue you’re facing and the specific needs of your tooth. Here at Reading Dental Spa, we aim to be as transparent as possible, so we will always recommend the best type of restoration depending on your needs or requirements.
Either way, our experienced dentists will ensure you have a comfortable experience during the process, which typically takes around 25-45 minutes.
If you require inlays or onlays, these are normally fabricated in a dental lab or milled on-site and differ slightly from the resin-like restoration made by dentists.
Once you’re seated comfortably in the chair, our dentists will explain the treatment to you. Once you’re ready to proceed, we’ll gently numb the area.
Once the anaesthetic has taken hold, we’ll clean out the affected area, ensuring that it’s bacteria-free.
Our patients at this point may be watching a movie on the ceiling-mounted TV screen or listening to music with our noise-cancelling headphones. Either way, they should feel pretty relaxed.
We’ll apply the filling material to the area, making sure it’s well packed in. Then we’ll check for a bite.
Once the bite is good, we may harden the material with a curing light or leave it to harden naturally. Either way, it should dry rock solid and become an integral part of the tooth. Then we shape and polish the restoration.
Once we’re done, you’re good to go.
A dental filling is such a simple and cost-effective process that can prolong the life of a tooth, and we’re here to help you maintain your perfect smile. Don’t put up with tooth cavities. Come and talk to us about this easy treatment and how we can help.
Book an appointment today!
Yes, white fillings are safe. They are made from biocompatible materials, such as composite resins, that are carefully formulated to be non-toxic and compatible with your body. These materials are widely used in modern dentistry and have been extensively tested for safety and effectiveness.
Additionally, white fillings are free of mercury, which is found in some older types of dental fillings, making them a safer and more aesthetic option for many patients.
Unfortunately, dental fillings don’t last a lifetime, so having regular dental check-ups may determine when a filling needs replacing. That said, fillings typically have a shelf life of somewhere between 7 and 15 years, depending upon the type of material and where the filling is placed in the mouth.
Reading patients should know that you can still floss when you have dental fillings. While it may take some getting used to at first, areas around fillings should not be neglected.
Yes, you can eat right after having a white filling, but it’s recommended to wait until the anaesthetic has worn off and you have full sensation in your mouth.
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