Although it is important to try your best to avoid decay in your teeth by brushing, flossing and reducing the consumption of sugary foods, sometimes teeth do become compromised by decay or trauma. Fortunately, your dental professional has many options for restoring both the strength and aesthetics of your teeth.
Should your teeth require restoration, the first options are often by the means of a filling. A VICTORIAN DENTAL GROUP dental practitioner will examine your teeth, and may order an X-ray of the area to be performed. From here the dental practitioner can pinpoint exactly what restoration is required and discuss with you the different options available – as there are many types of fillings available.
When a tooth does need to be filled there are a wide variety of materials which can be used. The selection of what type of material to be used will be guided by your Dental Practitioner. However, in some circumstances, and where appropriate, it may come down to your own personal choice of material.
AMALGAM FILLINGS
Amalgam fillings have been around for a long time and were once very popular. Recently they have become more and more unpopular. Although very strong, the silver colour of the amalgam can appear harsh against the surrounding tooth. Concerns are also raised sometimes about the mercury content of amalgam. Please talk to us if you would like to consider having your Amalgam fillings replaced with a more tooth friendly alternative.
COMPOSITE RESIN RESTORATIONS
Composite resin restorations are a popular “tooth coloured” restoration. Made from a resin material, composite is bonded to the surface of your tooth. With a wide variety of colours available composite resin can blend to almost any shade of tooth making the fillings almost invisible. Once placed the filling material is cured with a special light to make it strong and durable.
GLASS IONOMER CEMENT
Glass Ionomer Cement or GIC is another white filling material which bonds excellently to the surface of the tooth. It releases Fluoride which helps to strengthen teeth from the inside and is great for people who are at a high risk for decay. GIC is a fantastic material for biting surfaces of the teeth where there is less force and aesthetics are not crucial. GIC is also used commonly for filling baby teeth.
TEMPORARY FILLINGS
In some cases, such as emergency visits, or if a tooth needs multiple visits, a temporary restoration may be placed. A temporary restoration is designed to keep you comfortable until the final restoration can be placed.
Click here to learn more about the Fillings and Restoration Services offered by Victorian Dental Group.
