Tooth Filling

A tooth filling is typically needed when there is decay on a tooth.  Another reason you may need a filling is when you chip a tooth due to an accident or misuse your teeth by doing something that can break or chip a tooth.

Decay happens when the surface of the tooth is demineralized by the acid byproduct of specific bacteria in your mouth. This causes weakening of the tooth structure which leads to decay.  You will commonly hear people refer to tooth decay as having a "cavity". A cavity filling is when your dentist in Port St. Lucie will remove the decay from the tooth; and then fill it back up with a material to restore its original shape. 

Decay can also occur around an already existing filling that may be older which has developed filtration of bacteria to travel under the filling and cause more decay.  If you have amalgam fillings that are over 10 years old it is common that at least some of them will need to be replaced due to new decay around the area. 

Dental Filling Process

First, your dentist will apply local anesthetic to the area to ensure that you will not feel any pain during the dental procedure.  Next, the dentist will use a drill and carefully remove all of the decay from the area.  Some checks will be done to ensure all the decay is gone.  Once all tooth decay is eradicated your dentist will begin putting in the composite filling material and cure it with a special light.  After the tooth has been rebuilt we will check your bite, make adjustments, and polish the tooth.  It is important that the patient feel the tooth and bite and direct the dentist until it feels natural. 

Sensitivity after having a filling is very common.   Many patients experience sensitivity for 2-3 weeks after the procedure.  However, if you are having extreme pain or discomfort especially while eating or biting down it may mean you need to return to your Port St Lucie Dentist to have an adjustment.  Adjustments are also common because it can be hard for the patient to feel their bite during that part of the procedure due to being numb in the area. 

Tooth Filling Materials

Resin Composite Fillings: In modern dentistry resin composite tooth colored fillings are most commonly used. 

Advantages of composite fillings are:

• More aesthetic than amalgam or metal fillings
• Less tooth structure needs to be removed
• No discoloration of surrounding teeth over time
• No metals in the mouth
• Life span of composite filling is increasing. Previously medical evidence proved at least 5-7 years but more recent evidence says at least 10-12 years if not more due to many advancements in the material.

Disadvantage of composite fillings:

• Life span may be slightly shorter than amalgam fillings; however recent evidence is showing this is no longer the case.

Amalgam Fillings: silver fillings that were most common in dentistry for many years

Advantages of amalgam fillings:

• Long lasting: may last 10-15 years
• Durable: can withstand chewing forces
• Cost: this advantage is often brought up but not really accurate. Most office charge the same amount for a filling regardless of the material.  However, insurance companies still downgrade their coverage to amalgam rates which really means they only recognize the cost of fillings from 20 years ago.  Most insurances have not increases their allowable fee on fillings for many years and still offer co pay based on fees with no increases.

Disadvantages of amalgam fillings:

• Poor aesthetics: silver fillings don't match the color of natural teeth and over time appearance gets worse due to creating gray hue on surrounding tooth structure.
• Removal of more healthy parts of the tooth:  often more tooth needs to be removed to make a space large enough to hold the amalgam filling.
• Allergic reactions: a small percentage of people, approximately 1%, are allergic to the mercury present in amalgam restorations. There are some groups who advocate that amalgam should be removed from all teeth due to exposure of mercury.  Many people opt to have all amalgam removed from their teeth due to this or aesthetic reasons.  However, the ADA and FDA have not changed their stance that amalgam fillings should not be removed unless they are no longer in good condition. 

There are a few other materials that can be used for a tooth filling but are not common. 

CAVITY FILLING vrs Tooth Bonding

A chipped tooth filling or filling that close a gap between teeth is done mostly for cosmetic reasons and there is no decay in the tooth.  Sometimes this type of filling is also called "tooth bonding".  The same type of resin composite material will be used to rebuild the tooth to look like a natural tooth.  One disadvantage of tooth bonding or cosmetic fillings is that they often can chip off due to biting, chewing, or subconscious grinding of the teeth.  If this continues to happen your dentist may recommend getting a crown for a more long term solution.

Dental INLAY

A dental inlay is similar to a composite filling except it is made in a laboratory and will take two visits.  At the first visit the dentist will take the same first steps as a regular filling, but they will put a temporary filling in the tooth for about 1-2 weeks while the lab makes a permanent filling or inlay.  Your dentist will recommend an inlay if there is not enough tooth structure to support the dental filling in place; but not enough of the tooth is damaged to require a dental crown.