Dental fillings
Teeth are hard structures, which may develop defects due to different reasons. The most likely reason is caries, which happens when bacteria produce acid and destroy tooth structure. In other cases teeth suffer acute trauma (fracture, chipping) or a chronic wear (grinding, aggressive brushing, deep bite etc).
If there is a cavity or a defect we may keep an eye on it (if it's small) or fill it right away. If a large cavity is not filled, it can get bigger and cause pain. The tooth may even have to be removed if cavity were allowed to progress deep.
Usually, the smaller the cavity the easier it is to repair it. Conversely, the bigger the cavity the higher the cost of repairing it and the chance of tooth nerve irritation.
Therefore, it is important to have regular check-up exams for early cavity detection.
If there is a cavity or a defect we may keep an eye on it (if it's small) or fill it right away. If a large cavity is not filled, it can get bigger and cause pain. The tooth may even have to be removed if cavity were allowed to progress deep.
Usually, the smaller the cavity the easier it is to repair it. Conversely, the bigger the cavity the higher the cost of repairing it and the chance of tooth nerve irritation.
Therefore, it is important to have regular check-up exams for early cavity detection.
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Composite
Composite fillings are also called plastic or white fillings.
At Pure North Dental we believe composite fillings to be an excellent choice of restorative material. Modern technological and manufacturing advances have improved composite properties and make them a material of choice worthy of consideration for even the most challenging treatment cases. Nonetheless, strict adherence to placement protocol (moisture isolation e.g. with rubber dam, tooth surface cleaning, proper shaping and polishing) become extremely important factors for successful composite restorations.
WE ONLY USE COMPOSITES for direct (in office) TOOTH RESTORING at Pure North Dental Clinic.
We do use ceramic inlays and crowns, gold onlays etc. that are made in the dental lab when clinical situation dictates.
To place this filling, your dentist cleans the decay from the tooth and puts a glue (or bonding material) on the inside of the hole. Composite resin is put into the hole in layers. Each layer gets hard with the help of a special "blue" light that we shine over the tooth. When the last layer of the filling is hard, your dentist shapes the filling so it looks and feels natural.
- Advantages
In some cases a tooth may be severely destroyed to the point where a crown was strongly indicated, but due to economical constraints a patient may still insist on saving the tooth with a filling (at least for a period of time). Once the risks and benefits of such choice are fully discussed the patient becomes truly autonomous in deciding what is the most appropriate choice in their current life situation. Noteworthy, some (but not all) well placed composite fillings have performed well even in those extreme conditions, with some studies highlighting improvements in technology and science behind composites as well as importance of dentists' skills.
Be sure to check examples of composite fillings here.
At Pure North Dental we believe composite fillings to be an excellent choice of restorative material. Modern technological and manufacturing advances have improved composite properties and make them a material of choice worthy of consideration for even the most challenging treatment cases. Nonetheless, strict adherence to placement protocol (moisture isolation e.g. with rubber dam, tooth surface cleaning, proper shaping and polishing) become extremely important factors for successful composite restorations.
WE ONLY USE COMPOSITES for direct (in office) TOOTH RESTORING at Pure North Dental Clinic.
We do use ceramic inlays and crowns, gold onlays etc. that are made in the dental lab when clinical situation dictates.
To place this filling, your dentist cleans the decay from the tooth and puts a glue (or bonding material) on the inside of the hole. Composite resin is put into the hole in layers. Each layer gets hard with the help of a special "blue" light that we shine over the tooth. When the last layer of the filling is hard, your dentist shapes the filling so it looks and feels natural.
- Advantages
- These fillings will be the same colour as your natural teeth.
- They cost less than gold fillings.
- They are direct fillings, so they can be done in one appointment, in most cases.
- This kind of filling can break more easily than crowns or gold inlays, and may not last as long.
- Statistical studies suggested shorter length of serviceability for white fillings comparing with other materials.
In some cases a tooth may be severely destroyed to the point where a crown was strongly indicated, but due to economical constraints a patient may still insist on saving the tooth with a filling (at least for a period of time). Once the risks and benefits of such choice are fully discussed the patient becomes truly autonomous in deciding what is the most appropriate choice in their current life situation. Noteworthy, some (but not all) well placed composite fillings have performed well even in those extreme conditions, with some studies highlighting improvements in technology and science behind composites as well as importance of dentists' skills.
Be sure to check examples of composite fillings here.