Dental Fillings
Tooth decay often results in cavities that need to be filled. When you have a tooth with a cavity in it, the tooth tends to decay further.
If you do not take care of it as soon as possible, you can lose the tooth altogether. Our Toronto dentist can fill these small holes with a number of different kinds of fillings to preserve your oral health.
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Preparing the Tooth
Before we fill any tooth, we examine it visually and use special dental instruments to check it further. In some cases, we take x-rays to see the entire structure of the tooth more clearly. The next step is to prepare the tooth for the filling. We remove the decayed part of the tooth, and if you are having a type of filling that requires it, we take an impression of the tooth for a custom fit.
Amalgam Fillings
For back teeth, many people choose amalgam fillings because of their affordable price. The amalgam is a metal alloy consisting of silver, mercury, copper, tin, and sometimes zinc. Amalgam fillings are dark, so most people who use them prefer them in parts of their mouth that are not visible when they smile. An amalgam filling can last many years. These fillings can withstand vigorous chewing. When you first get an amalgam filling, the tooth may be sensitive to heat and cold. However, this discomfort usually goes away in a very short time.
Composite Fillings
Composite tooth-colored fillingsare made of a mixture of glass and plastic. They form a smooth barrier around your tooth. After preparing your tooth for the fillings, the dentist places the composite material into the tooth, one layer at a time. Your dentist may use a special lightto harden each layer before putting on the next layer. One advantage of composite fillingsis they can be matched to the color of your teeth.
Gold Fillings
Many people like the look of gold fillings. Another benefit of getting gold inlays is that they are very durable, often lasting 20 years or longer. They are easy on your gums. Although they are usually the most expensivefilling, many find that they are worth the cost. If you choose a gold filling, our dentist takes an impression of the tooth. The impression is sent to a laboratory where the gold filling is custom made. Then, the dentist cements the filling into the tooth.
Porcelain Fillings
Porcelain fillings are sometimes called inlays or onlays. These fillings are often used for front-facing teeth. They cost about the same amount as gold, but some people prefer a tooth that can be matched to their remaining teeth as porcelain are. The dentist makes an impression of the tooth and the lab produces the porcelain filling. Your dentist then bonds the filling to your tooth.
Choosing the Right Filling
Our Toronto dentist would be happy to help you make an informed decision about which dental filling material would be most suitable for you
