white fillings
White fillings, otherwise known as composite, consist of safe resins that are naturally tooth-coloured, insoluble, easy to manipulate and safe.
They are commonly used to restore a tooth that has been affected by caries. The cavity is filled with a white filling, that is shade matched to the tooth, then bonded and moulded to the correct shape and size of the cavity. By being bonded, it strengthens the tooth structure and restores its original and physical integrity.
It also allows for less removal of the enamel when being prepared, unlike silver fillings which require retentive preparation. Once completed, the white filling is able to flex with the small natural movements of the tooth that happen with temperature and pressure, this makes them less likely to cause tiny fractures. This makes white fillings a natural choice for dentists when restoring a tooth, whether at the front or the back!
WHY CHOOSE TOOTH-COLOURED COMPOSITE FILLINGS?
White fillings, also known as tooth-coloured fillings or composite fillings, are an excellent choice for those seeking a natural-looking solution to treat tooth decay. Unlike traditional amalgam fillings, white fillings blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, providing a more aesthetically pleasing result.
In addition to enhancing your smile, these dental fillings help maintain the structural integrity of your tooth, supporting long-term oral health. Choosing composite fillings ensures that your dental work is not only functional but also virtually invisible, making them a preferred option for many patients looking to restore their teeth discreetly and effectively.
what happens during a filling?
It is a simple, painless process that can be done with a local anaesthetic if required. Your dentist will make sure that you are comfortable and cannot feel anything throughout the treatment process, putting you in control.
The tooth is cleaned and prepared, then a special gel is applied to ensure the surface is adhered to properly by the bonding agent. The composite is then placed and moulded into the correct shape for the tooth set hard with a special light.
The natural bite is taken into consideration, and your dentist will ask you to bite together to make sure that the new filling is not affecting it. There may be some adjustments necessary to correct a high or rough area.
white filling aftercare
Anything new in the mouth can take a while to get used to or may feel alien for a while, here is some advice and tips to follow after you have had a filling:
- If you have had local anaesthetic, it may take up to 4-6 hours for the effects to wear off. During this time, please ensure that you refrain from chewing your lip, inner cheek, tongue or soft tissues and drinking hot drinks to avoid unwittingly causing trauma to the area.
- Your mouth has been worked on, so there may naturally be a small amount of tenderness, bruising and sensitivity to the area for a couple of days. If there are still worsening symptoms of pain after 7 days, contact the practice for advice.
- Sensitivity to hot and cold is relatively normal for a short period of time after a white filling, and you should find that this settles after a few weeks. However, if you experience a prolonged period of sensitivity to temperature, or if it worsens, please contact the practice for advice.
- To preserve your filling, you should maintain a good oral health routine at home, brushing twice a day, flossing once a day and limiting sugary food and drink.
faqs about white fillings
White fillings offer several advantages over traditional silver amalgam fillings. While silver amalgam is durable, it is highly visible and can darken over time. In contrast, white fillings blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, making them virtually invisible. Additionally, composite fillings bond directly to the tooth, which can help preserve more of your natural tooth structure.
White fillings are highly durable and can last many years with proper care. While silver amalgam fillings have a long track record of durability, advances in dental materials have made modern composite fillings nearly as strong, with the added benefit of being more aesthetically pleasing.
White fillings are durable and can last many years, typically 7 to 10 years or more, depending on factors such as the location of the filling, your oral hygiene habits, and regular dental visits. Over time, they may need to be replaced, but with proper care, they provide long-lasting results.
Tooth-coloured white fillings are typically more expensive than silver amalgam fillings due to the materials used and the precision required to match the colour to your natural teeth. However, many patients find the aesthetic and functional benefits well worth the cost.
Caring for white fillings is simple. Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. Avoid chewing on hard objects, as this can damage the filling. With proper care, your white fillings can last for many years.