Dental Fillings

Have you been suffering from a toothache or sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures? It could be a sign that you have a cavity. To treat this common dental issue, your dentist may recommend getting a dental filling (also called teeth filling).

Dental fillings are used to restore teeth damaged by decay or cavities. This dental restoration procedure involves removing the decayed portion of the tooth and filling it with a material to prevent further damage and restore the tooth’s function.

At Dentistry in Waterloo, we offer various dental filling options to accommodate our patients’ needs and preferences. Our skilled and experienced dentists will work with you to determine the best solution for your specific case.

Types of Teeth Fillings

Amalgam Fillings (Silver Fillings)

These fillings are durable and resistant to wear, making them suitable for the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. They are made from a mixture of metals: mercury, silver, tin, and copper. However, due to their dark color, they are more noticeable than resin composites and are not usually used in visible areas, such as front teeth.

Composite Fillings (Tooth-Colored or White Fillings)

A dental composite filling is made from a resin composed of plastic and fine glass particles. It can be matched to the same color as your teeth and is more aesthetically pleasing. A tooth composite filling is most appropriate for small-to-mid-size fillings and is good for the front or visible parts of teeth.

Ceramic Fillings

Made of porcelain, these fillings are both durable and aesthetically pleasing. They are often more expensive than other types, but they are tooth-colored and more resistant to staining and wear than composite resin.

Glass Ionomer Fillings

These fillings are made from a combination of acrylic and a specific type of glass. They’re less durable than other types, so they’re often used for children whose teeth are still changing. They release fluoride, which can help protect against further tooth decay.

Gold Fillings

Also known as inlays or onlays, gold fillings are made to order in a laboratory and then cemented into place by your dentist. While they are often the most expensive choice, many people choose gold fillings for their durability and because they can be considered more aesthetically pleasing than silver amalgam fillings.

Benefits of Dental Fillings

• Stops the Cavity from Growing. Fillings are used to “fill” an area of the tooth that your dentist has removed due to decay. This helps to stop the cavity from spreading and causing further damage.
• Restores Function of Broken Teeth. Tooth fillings can also be used to repair broken teeth or teeth that have been ground down by conditions like bruxism.
• Improves Tooth Structure. Fillings improve the structure of the teeth by providing them with the necessary support.
• Strengthens Fractured Teeth. Dental fillings can strengthen fractured teeth, preventing further damage and maintaining tooth integrity.
• Prevents Infection. If you need dental work like a root canal performed across several visits, a temporary tooth filling can be placed to prevent infection.
• Improves Bite Function. A filling not only seals a cavity but helps to even out the surface of the tooth and improve your bite function.
• Provides a Natural Appearance. Some types of fillings, such as composite resin, match the natural tooth color, providing a more aesthetic result. 
• Cost-Effective Than Other Tooth Restorations. Dental fillings are relatively inexpensive compared to other restorative treatments like dental implants or crowns.

Reasons to Get Dental Fillings 

Some of the clear indicators that you need dental fillings include:

• Tooth Sensitivity. If you feel discomfort or pain in your teeth when consuming hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks, it could be a sign that you need this dental treatment.
• Toothache or Spontaneous Pain. An ongoing or sudden toothache without an apparent cause may mean you have decayed teeth that require a dental filling treatment.
• Visible Holes or Pits in Teeth. Cavities might have developed if you notice visible indentations in your teeth. The only way to fix the problem is by getting fillings.
• Dark Spots or Stains. Noticeable dark areas on your teeth might be another sign of tooth decay.
• Chipped or Broken Teeth. As a result of injury or wear, chipped teeth might need a filling to restore their integrity.
• Food Getting Stuck Regularly. If certain spots between your teeth consistently trap food, it can be due to gaps that a filling can fix.

Worn-Out Previous Filling. Fillings are durable but not permanent. If an existing filling breaks, you may need to visit a dentist to replace it with a new one.