Dentists in Derby, Derbyshire 44 Main Street, Etwall, Derby, Derbyshire DE65 6LP
01283 733391
Dentists in Derby, Derbyshire 44 Main Street, Etwall, Derby, Derbyshire DE65 6LP
01283 733391
A common treatment among patients, dental fillings are crucial in maintaining proper dental care. Through years of poor oral health, many people will succumb to tooth decay and subsequently, cavities will begin to form in the mouth. Should this be the case, Etwall Dental Practice experts will recommend fillings. Dental fillings are used to repair the cavities that are created. There are many different types of dental fillings, so we will always encourage patients to come for a consultation before offering the filling we consider clinically necessary.
Fillings aid the restoration of teeth that are damaged by decay, helping achieve normal function and shape. As aforementioned, there are many different types of filling materials that can be applied.
Dental amalgam is the most common type of filling, made from a mixture of different metals including mercury, silver, tin and copper. Silver in colour, dental amalgam is the strongest direct restorative material and is often used on your back teeth.
For any front teeth, your dentist may suggest a tooth-coloured composite filling, made of a resin and glass mixture. A more discreet option, composite fillings will chemically bond to your teeth, allowing for more support.
Alternatively, glass ionomers may be used. A powdered glass that forms a chemical bond with your teeth, glass ionomer fillings release fluoride that helps prevent further tooth decay. A fairly weak filling in comparison to others, glass ionomer fillings will often be used on ‘non-biting’ surfaces such as around the ‘necks’ of the teeth.
Once a consultation has taken place at Etwall Dental Practice, our dentists will offer the type of filling that’s most appropriate for your medical needs.
Our dentists will firstly ensure you’re completely comfortable with the treatment, answering any questions you may have prior to commencement. Once relaxed, your dentist will administer a local anaesthetic, numbing the area, as they go on to remove any decay from the problem area using either a drill, air abrasion instrument or laser. When the tooth decay has been removed, your dentist will apply a filling material directly to the cavity. Once shaped, the filling material will be cured with ultraviolet light.
For tooth-coloured fillings, your dentist will apply the material in layers. Each layer will be cured with the same ultraviolet light. Once the multi-layering process is complete, the fillings are shaped into the desired result and trimmed of any excess material. The final restoration will then be polished.
The longevity of your filling will depend on the material used. Amalgam fillings are the most durable option, lasting around 10-15 years. Though a more attractive option from a cosmetic point of view, white fillings don’t typically last as long, requiring replacement after about five years. You can improve the lifespan of your filling by practicing good dental care and booking regular dental check-ups.
Only your dentist can identify whether you have a cavity that should be filled. During a consultation, Etwall Dental Practice dentists will use a small mirror to examine the surfaces of each tooth. Any abnormalities are then checked with special instruments. In some cases, your dentist may X-ray your mouth. All of the above will determine the extent of the damage and subsequent recommended treatment.
If you feel as though you need fillings, please don’t hesitate to contact Etwall Dental Practice. To do so, visit our Contact page, call us on 01283 733391 to schedule a FREE consultation or visit us at the practice. Our team will be more than happy to help.
Having a filling is not a painful experience. Your dentist will administer a local anaesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding area before beginning the procedure, ensuring you remain comfortable throughout. You may feel a slight pinch as the anaesthetic is injected, but the area will become fully numb within a few minutes. Once numb you should not feel any pain during the removal of decay or the placement of the filling material. After the anaesthetic wears off some mild sensitivity around the filled tooth is normal for a few days but can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
Yes, fillings can sometimes fall out or become loose over time. This can happen due to normal wear and tear, biting down on something particularly hard, new decay developing around or beneath the filling, or the filling material shrinking slightly over the years. If a filling does fall out it is important to contact us at Etwall Dental Practice as soon as possible, as the exposed tooth is vulnerable to temperature sensitivity, further decay, and bacterial infection. Pharmacy-sold temporary dental cement can provide short-term protection in the meantime. Attending regular check-ups allows our team to monitor the condition of existing fillings and replace them before they fail.
If a cavity is not treated, tooth decay will continue to progress through the layers of the tooth. It initially affects the outer enamel, then advances through the dentine beneath, and eventually reaches the inner pulp chamber containing the nerve and blood supply. At this stage a simple filling is no longer sufficient and root canal treatment may be required to save the tooth. If the infection spreads further, the tooth may need to be extracted altogether. Catching and treating cavities early with a filling is far simpler, less costly, and less invasive than allowing the decay to advance.
Yes, tooth-coloured composite fillings are a popular alternative to traditional amalgam (silver) fillings and are available at Etwall Dental Practice. Composite fillings are made from a mixture of resin and glass and can be closely matched to the natural shade of your teeth, making them virtually invisible. They chemically bond to the tooth structure, meaning less of the natural tooth needs to be removed during preparation. Glass ionomer fillings are another option, most suitable for smaller cavities and areas not subject to heavy biting forces. Your dentist will advise on the most appropriate filling material for your specific tooth, location, and clinical needs.
In the hours immediately after your filling appointment it is best to avoid eating until the local anaesthetic has fully worn off, to avoid accidentally biting your cheek or tongue. For composite fillings the tooth can be used normally straight away as the material is cured and hardened during the appointment. If you have received an amalgam filling it is advisable to avoid hard or chewy foods for 24 hours while the material fully hardens. Some sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure is normal for a few days after any filling. If sensitivity persists beyond two weeks please contact us so we can check that the filling is correctly sized and seated.
Yes, composite tooth-coloured fillings are suitable for children and are commonly used on both baby teeth and adult teeth. They are a good option for visible teeth at the front of the mouth, where an amalgam filling would be aesthetically noticeable. Glass ionomer fillings may also be used for children, particularly in areas less subject to biting pressure, as these release fluoride that can help protect the surrounding tooth structure from further decay. Your child’s dentist will recommend the most clinically appropriate filling material based on the size and location of the cavity, always prioritising comfort and long-term dental health.
