Cosmetic Fillings | mohsin-quazi

Dental Filling

Often there are no symptoms of caries or tooth decay! However symptoms that you may need a filling can include but are not limited to sensitivity of the tooth to pressure or sugary foods, toothache or pain (can be a sharp or throbbing pain), a hole in the tooth that you can see or feel, or floss that keeps tearing in a particular spot.

Our dentist will check if you need fillings as part of a full examination which would include x-rays if necessary. If a filling is required, our dentist will remove decay from inside the tooth, and fill the cavity with one of a wide range of filling materials. See below for a list of common filling options.It is important that you regularly see a dentist because not all decay and problems give rise to any symptoms or pain. In fact most start silently in the early stages and if picked up early can mean a simple, cost effective and less invasive treatment instead of a more expensive and complex procedure if left untreated. Prevention is key so ask yourself when you last had a full dental exam and x-rays and call us for an appointment it has been longer than 12 months.

CHOOSING YOUR DENTAL FILLING

When new cavities need attention, or old fillings need replacement, you have a number of choices for the type of filling to be used.

Gold Fillings

Gold filling last a long time, ten to fifteen years. There is no corrosion over time and they are quite strong. They can stand the chewing force better than many other fillings. These can be more expensive, usually take at least two visits to set and can cause galvanic shock if placed next to a silver filling. These are all considerations you should think about before you choose.

Silver Fillings

These last as long as a gold filling and are much less expensive. They are also strong enough to withstand chewing forces. Quite often people find the color displeasing and that is the main reason people have moved away from the silver filling. They can also discolor the tooth around the filling. Occasionally these fillings do cause the tooth to crack or fracture.

Composites Fillings

The biggest reason people go with composite fillings is the look. They match your teeth exactly so they are perfect for visible sections of your mouth. In addition, they bond directly to the tooth structure so they can be used not only for filling but to fix chipped areas. Often you don’t have to have as much space opened up to put in this type of filling. The biggest drawback is that composites tend to only last five years. That means you are getting them replaced much more often. You will also be in the dentist chair longer and you might find they are easier to break.

Ceramic Fillings

The final option is a great one for front teeth as they are resistant to staining. Ceramics can cost as much as gold and are a bit abrasive but they also have the durability of gold. You will find these fillings can last more than fifteen years. It is a great option if you want to avoid going back to the dentist.

Knowing these facts about fillings will help you make your choice. While insurance companies try to push you in one direction or another you need to think of the long term ramifications of your dental health. You need to know what is required of you and how the costs will add up over time, not just the initial fitting. You also have to know how you feel about the look of the filling. Your smile is one of your best assets, you don’t want to compromise it based on filling selection.