Your teeth are composed of mainly calcium and phosphate and are naturally very strong. However occasionally they need to be repaired using tooth restorations or fillings. We will choose a shade that matches your existing teeth and using a simple local anaesthetic will repair the damage with no lasting discomfort.
Causes of Decay
If plaque bacteria stay in contact with your teeth for sufficient time, in the presence of dietary sugars, those bacteria produce powerful acids which can then dissolve the minerals from the tooth structure. If enough minerals are lost from one part of a tooth, the tooth is weakened, and becomes ‘mushy’ underneath, this is known as tooth decay. Once a cavity has formed a filling is required in order to stop the decay from progressing and destroying more of your tooth’s structure.
Getting a Filling
Prior to placing the filling material, the damaged tooth structure must be cleaned away, and the area properly treated to remove any remaining bacteria. The cavity will be filled with special material which mimics the natural tooth structure and provides a barrier to further bacteria.
A Chipped Tooth
Teeth become chipped in sporting incidents, cutlery and glassware accidents, repeated trauma from piercings (of the tongue and lip) or even clenching and grinding of the teeth when you are asleep. Your dentist will advise you on whether a tooth filling is the best kind of restoration or whether a stronger type of restoration such as a tooth crown might be more beneficial for your tooth.
Worn-down Teeth
Tooth wear can occur if too much acid is present in the mouth often from liquids ike wine, fruit juice, vinegar or stomach acid reflux. Teeth can also gradually wear away with tooth grinding during your sleep. You may even have brushed your teeth too vigorously creating a crevice in a tooth near the gum line. In this case, a filling can help to keep dental plaque from becoming trapped in that crevice, reduce any sensitivity you might experience and protect your tooth from further wear.
When it comes to filling materials mostly we use white filling material called composite resin that is made from a mixture of acrylic resin and glass powder. Composite provides a strong and aesthetically pleasing result.
If you think you have a dental cavity or chip, it’s essential that you seek professional help as soon as possible. By addressing the issue and halting the progression of decay, it’s possible to restore your dental health quickly and relatively easily. When left unchecked, these issues can turn into bigger and more costly problems.