How To Tell If You Need a Dental Filling

If you've got a cavity, you'll likely need a dental filling to restore your tooth. Your dentist can complete this job with different types of fillings. Today, our Winnipeg dentists describe why you'd need a tooth filling, and list different types of fillings to consider. 

What are dental fillings?

Dentists use these restorations to restore the appearance, function and structure of a tooth that's been damaged or decayed, alleviating tooth pain you might be experiencing. 

Why are dental fillings used?

Tooth filings can repair cracks, tooth decay or fractures. They help to restore functionality to your tooth and in some cases, dental fillings can be used to make cosmetic improvements to your smile. 

What are some signs I may need a dental filling?

While you should see a dentist to confirm whether you need a dental filling, here are some signs that you may have a cavity that needs a tooth filling. If you experience any of these, schedule an appointment with your dentist:

1. An existing tooth filling has broken or cracked. 
2. You feel a sharp or throbbing pain in your tooth.
3. Your tooth feels rough to the touch. 
4. When you examine your teeth, you see a hole or dark spot. 
5. Your tooth is broken or chipped. 
6. Food keeps getting stuck between certain teeth. 
7. You've lost a tooth filling and need a replacement.

What are dental fillings made of?

Dental fillings can be made of a number of materials, from amalgam to composite, porcelain and gold. While each of these materials is safe and long-lasting, they also each have their own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to repairing a cavity or decay. Here, our dentists provide advice on how to make the right dental choice for you. 

Porcelain Fillings for Strength & Appearance

Also called inlays and onlays, porcelain fillings are brittle, hard, and made in combination with metal. Made in a dental lab and sent back to your dentist to place, these strong, tooth-coloured dental restorations are typically used on molars as they are more durable and longer lasting than a regular dental filling. 

You’ll usually need to attend two dental appointments so your porcelain filling can be placed in your mouth.

Composite Fillings for a Natural Look & Feel

Because they are very similar in colour to natural teeth, composite fillings tend to blend in well with the surrounding teeth.

They look and feel natural, and are popular with patients who are concerned with how amalgam (grey) fillings may appear on teeth that are visible when they smile.

Dentists like composites because they are easy to sculpt and shape onto a tooth, and bond naturally to a tooth. This means your dentist won’t need to remove as much existing enamel when preparing the tooth.

Your dentist will remove tooth decay and add bonding material to the inside of the hole so the filling can be placed. Composite resin is then layered in the hole.

A curing light is used to harden each layer. When the last layer of resin has hardened, the filling will be carefully shaped to match your natural teeth.

Gold Fillings for Durability 

Cast gold fillings are made using a model of your tooth. Created from a mix of gold combined with other materials such as copper and silver, a cast gold filling is created in a dental lab and sent back to your dentist.

It will then be cemented in place inside your mouth. Though this type of filling is considered the most durable (typically lasting 20 years or more) it is also the most costly. You'll also require at least two dental appointments to have it placed.

To learn more about which dental fillings are available at Sturgeon Creek Dental to schedule an appointment, contact our Winnipeg dentists today.