Cavity fillings are one of the oldest and most conventional forms of restorative
treatments for teeth that have become decayed. Dental decay happens when acid
caused by bacteria is left on the teeth and begins to destroy the enamel.

As the decay progresses, the acid can penetrate the middle layer of the tooth,
called the dentin. The decay beings to appear as a hole in the tooth. When left
untreated, tooth decay can cause pain, infection, and eventually tooth loss.

What are cavity fillings?

Cavity fillings are a way of protecting and preserving the remaining tooth by
preventing the spread of decay.

When a receiving a cavity filling, we will begin by numbing the area with an
anesthetic, then removing the decayed tooth material. This is usually done using
a precise instrument, like a dental drill.

Once the decayed parts of the tooth have been removed, an artificial material is
used to fill the hole left, sealing the tooth and preventing further bacteria from
entering through the hole.

When under local anesthetic, you may feel some pressure, but the process will
be pain-free. If you are a particularly nervous or anxious about having a cavity
filled, it may be possible for you to be sedated for your procedure. We will be
able to tell you more about this at your dental appointment.

Types of cavity filling

In the past, cavity fillings were only made from one material – metal. Metal
fillings are still used widely today.

While strong and durable, metal fillings are also gray in color, which makes
them quite noticeable, particularly if the filling is on a tooth which is at the front
of your mouth.

Let’s face it, metal teeth aren’t exactly a mark of beauty. Good teeth are associated with health, happiness, and success, so noticeable dental work can have the opposite effect, leaving patients feeling self-conscious or embarrassed.

Today, cavity fillings are available in a range of different options, including
gold, silver amalgam (which is a mixture of mercury mixed with silver, tin, zinc
and copper), porcelain, and the highly popular solution for ultimate discretion -
composite resin.

What are composite resin fillings?

Composite fillings are made from a special mixture of dental materials that are
highly durable. However, they also have the benefit of being able to be color-
matched to your existing teeth.
This allows the filling to blend perfectly into the affected tooth, making them
virtually invisible once in place. When you smile, no one around you will be
able to tell that you have a cavity filling.

Benefits of tooth-colored resin fillings

There are three main benefits of tooth-colored fillings:
1. They are the most discreet variety of cavity filling available.
2. They are bonded to your teeth, making them a stronger and more durable
restoration.
3. Less of your natural tooth requires removal to place a composite resin
filling, meaning that the natural strength of your tooth can be better
preserved.

If you have decay that requires treatment, or if you already have fillings that
you would prefer to be more discreet, tooth-colored fillings made from
a composite resin may be the perfect solution.
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Contact and make an appointment with your dentist to discuss your options, and find out
more about how you can retain a beautiful smile, even with restorative dental
work.