How will I know I need a filling?
A filling is a lasting preventative solution that far outweighs a root canal treatment, which can be the result of extensive decay.
Are there different types of fillings?
There are a number of different materials that can be used to fill a hole or damage to a tooth, and these fall into two groups: direct and indirect dental fillings.
A direct dental filling is made of either silver or composite resin (white filling material) and are used for minor damage to teeth. Silver fillings are mostly used for treating back teeth as it’s a more noticeable material. Whereas composite fillings will match your natural tooth colour and will be less visible.
An indirect dental filling can be made with gold, porcelain and composite resin; and are used for larger areas of damage. They’re sometimes referred to as ‘inlays and onlays’ and will require more than one visit to your dentist, as they will need to be made at a dental laboratory, and then placed on your tooth by your dentist.
How long do fillings last?
The lifespan of a filling varies depending on factors such as the material used, dental hygiene and diet. With good care, many fillings can last several years, but regular dental health check-ups are important to monitor the condition of your filling(s).