Fillings

Dental Fillings

Dental Fillings from Somerset Dental Care in Narellan

There are two types of dental fillings: composite and amalgam. Composite fillings are the more modern safer option, and it is the preferred treatment option used here at Somerset Dental Care.

Ceramic / Porcelain Restorations

Ceramic dental materials can be used as veneers; and also as inlays, onlays and crowns. The colour and translucency of ceramic mimics the natural tooth enamel and is highly resistant to wear. They can be used to restore molars and other back teeth that have been cracked or fractured.

Ceramic restorations require a minimum of two visits.

Composite Fillings

For cavities, fillings are your first option. During this procedure your dentist will remove the decay present in your tooth and replace the missing tooth structure with a dental filling. While there are several dental filling materials available, at Somerset Dental Care, our dentists recommend composite fillings.

What are composite fillings?

Composite fillings are the new ‘white’ or ‘tooth-coloured’ fillings that have replaced older silver/metal (amalgam) fillings. These fillings are preferred to alternative filling materials due to their more natural appearance compared to other dental fillings, and can be altered to be a near-identical shade of your teeth.

Composite or amalgam fillings?

Composite fillings are made of resin, are strong, durable, and reasonably priced. They also bond or glue to the cavity, which strengthens the tooth and insulates the tooth from extreme temperature changes.

Should amalgam fillings be replaced?

If you have amalgam fillings, it is not necessary to replace them unless there is a clinical reason. Amalgam fillings can be very durable.

FAQs

Composite fillings are tooth-coloured fillings that have replaced old amalgam fillings. They are a better alternative, as they have a more natural appearance than metal fillings. They are used to fill cavities in the teeth. Made of resin, composite fillings are very strong and durable. They work by bonding to the cavity, which helps to strengthen the tooth and insulates it from extreme temperature changes.

Tooth-coloured fillings are preferred over amalgam fillings because they are more aesthetically
pleasing, require less tooth removal, bond to the tooth for better support, can be used on both
front and back teeth, have reduced sensitivity, are mercury-free, and are suitable for individuals
with allergies or sensitivities to metals.

Tooth-coloured fillings are designed to closely match the natural colour of your teeth, making
them blend seamlessly with your smile. The composite resin material used in these fillings can
be customised to match the shade and translucency of your surrounding teeth. Your dentist will
carefully select the appropriate colour to ensure that the filling closely matches the rest of your
teeth, resulting in a natural and virtually invisible appearance. This allows for a more
aesthetically pleasing outcome compared to the noticeable silver appearance of amalgam
fillings.

Tooth-coloured fillings, also known as composite fillings, typically feel similar to your natural
teeth once they are placed in your mouth. The composite resin material used in these fillings is
a type of dental plastic that is carefully applied and shaped by your dentist to restore the natural
contours of your tooth.

After the filling is placed, you may experience some sensitivity or discomfort for a short period,
which is normal. This sensitivity is usually temporary and should subside within a few days. If
the sensitivity persists or worsens, it is recommended to consult with your dentist.

One advantage of tooth-coloured fillings is that they can be bonded directly to the tooth
structure, creating a tight seal. This bonding capability provides additional support for the tooth
and reduces the risk of sensitivity caused by temperature changes or biting pressure.

Overall, once the tooth-coloured filling is properly placed and adjusted, it should feel
comfortable and natural in your mouth, allowing you to speak, eat, and function normally. If you

have any concerns or experience any unusual sensations, it's always best to consult with your
dentist for an evaluation.

If you would like to know more about dental fillings, and how they can help you, please contact us today.