Dr Peter Pleunik Prosthodontist - restorative treatment, root canal therapy, porcelain inlays and onlays, porcelain veneers, Cerec crowns, porcelain crowns, porcelain bridges, dental implants, implant retained dentures, full upper and lower dentures, TMJ appliances and sports mouth guards.

Fillings

A filling is used to repair a tooth that is affected by decay, cracks, fractures, etc. The decayed or affected portion of the tooth will be removed and then filled with a composite (tooth colored) or amalgam (silver) filling.

There are many types of filling materials available, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. During your appointment, we discuss with you the best options for restoring your teeth. Composite fillings, along with silver amalgam fillings, are the most widely used today.

Because composite fillings are tooth colored, they can be closely matched to the color of existing teeth, and are more aesthetically suited for use in front teeth or the more visible areas of the teeth.

Fillings are considered a permanent restoration but may someday have to be replaced. They are very durable, and will last many years, giving you a long lasting, beautiful smile.


Metal Amalgam filling	Composite tooth coloured filling

Reasons for fillings:

Chipped teeth
Closing space between two teeth
Cracked or broken teeth
Decayed teeth
Worn teeth

How are fillings placed?

Fillings are usually placed in one appointment. While the tooth is numb, we will remove decay as necessary. The space will then be thoroughly cleaned and carefully prepared before the new filling is placed.

If the decay was near the nerve of the tooth, a special medication will be applied for added protection.

The filling will then be precisely placed, shaped, and polished, restoring your tooth to its original shape and function.

It is normal to experience sensitivity to hot and cold when composite fillings are first placed, however this will subside shortly after your tooth acclimates to the new filling.

White Fillings

White Fillings, which are also known as composite resins or porcelain inlays, allow teeth to be filled and rebuilt utilizing more aesthetically acceptable materials such as composite resin or porcelain.

White Fillings do not contain mercury and are an idea l choice for achieving long term strength in filled teeth. Teeth that are heavily filled with large silver amalgam or mercury fillings are at risk of fracturing because the tooth is spread apart by these traditional filling materials.

These teeth can be rebuilt with porcelain inlays, which holds the tooth together as opposed to spreading it apart, preserving the remaining healthy tooth structure. This allows teeth to be safely and aesthetically restored achieving a more attractive smile.