Fillings
Aesthetic fillings
Aesthetic fillings are made from dental materials that are similar in colour and appearance to natural teeth, and are therefore aesthetically much better compared to traditional amalgam fillings.
These materials are usually composite resins, porcelains or glass ionomer cements used in various dental procedures.
Here are some of their features:
- Natural appearance: the colour and transparency of aesthetic fillings match the patient’s own tooth colour, so they are barely noticeable when they are in the mouth. This is especially important for front teeth, where appearance is particularly important.
- Mechanical properties: modern composite fillings are extremely durable and resistant to the pressure of chewing. Although they generally have a shorter life than amalgam fillings, they can last for many years with proper oral care.
- Minimally invasive technique: these fillings allow the dentist to remove as little tooth material as possible along the hole, as the materials bond well to the tooth. This preserves the natural structure and integrity of the tooth.
- Aesthetic flexibility: the material can be applied in different layers, so the dentist can more easily shape the tooth to its original form, including small details such as indentations or edges.
- Quick to prepare: aesthetic fillings can often be prepared in a single visit, as the material is light-bonded, i.e. the dentist hardens the material by illuminating it with a special light source.
- Natural speech pattern and mobility: aesthetic fillings fit exactly to the shape and functionality of the teeth. This means that the patient will not experience any disturbing changes in speech or chewing during the treatment process. The material can be easily shaped to perfectly mimic the original contour of the tooth.
Choose aesthetic fillings to preserve your natural smile and speech without compromise!
Aesthetic inlays (inlay, onlay)
They are exact copies of the shape of teeth and are typically made of porcelain, composite or metal.
Let’s look at the characteristics of each type:
Inlay:
- The inlay is placed on the inside of the tooth, mainly between the tips of the chewing surface.
- It is used in situations where decay or damage affects the inside of the tooth but does not extend to the tips of the tooth.
- It is an alternative to classic fillings for medium cavities, especially when a more permanent solution is required.
Onlay:
- The onlay covers most of the chewing surface of the tooth, including one or more tips.
- It is used when the damage is extensive and the tips are affected, but the basic structure of the tooth is still quite stable.
- Sometimes called a “partial crown” because it provides more extensive coverage than an inlay and often provides stronger support for the tooth structure.
Overlay:
- The overlay completely covers the chewing surface of the tooth, including all the tips.
- It is used when the upper part of the tooth has suffered significant damage and the entire chewing surface needs to be restored.
- Due to its full coverage, it acts almost entirely like a crown, but usually retains some of the natural tooth structure.
All of these types of inlays are long-lasting and provide an aesthetically natural effect.
They serve as a starting point when a classic filling is no longer sufficient, but a full crown is not yet needed to restore the tooth.
What materials can inlays be made of?
Inlay, onlay and overlay inlays can be made from a variety of materials, and some of these modern and commonly used materials are gradia, pressed ceramics (e.max) and gold.
Here’s a brief overview of these materials:
Gradia:
- Gradia is a composite resin-based material often used for dental restorations.
- It has good aesthetic properties, its colour and translucency help to mimic the appearance of natural teeth.
- It has the advantage of being easier to work and more flexible to use, but it can discolour over time and may be slightly more susceptible to wear than ceramics.
Pressed ceramics (e.max):
- E.max is a lithium-disilicate based pressed ceramic that is widely used in dentistry for aesthetic and functional restorations.
- It is renowned for its excellent aesthetic properties, as it provides a distinctly natural tooth-like appearance.
- It is very strong and resistant to discolouration and cracking, making it one of the best choices for long-term durability.
- It is formed at high temperatures, which increases its strength and resistance.
Gold:
- Gold is one of the oldest materials used for dental restorations and has become known for its reliability over the decades.
- It provides exceptional durability and wear resistance, with very good mechanical properties.
- Because it is biocompatible, allergic reactions to it are almost non-existent, which is particularly beneficial for long-term treatments.
- Gold is less aesthetically pleasing because of its colour, so it is used more for back teeth where appearance is less critical.
Each material is ideal for different benefits and applications, so the choosing the right one for you usually takes into account individual cases, such as aesthetic needs, the position of the tooth and the patient’s preferences.
When do we have to fill a tooth?
Fillings are usually used in dentistry when tooth enamel and dentin are damaged due to tooth decay.
Here are some specific cases where the use of fillings may be necessary:
1. Restoring tooth structure after caries:
When decay appears on a tooth, in order to stop the damage from spreading and restore the tooth, the dentist removes the affected tooth tissue and then replaces it with a dental filling.
2. Eliminate pain or sensitivity:
In cases of tooth sensitivity or pain due to decay or injury, a filling can help restore tooth structure and reduce discomfort.
3. Preserve the structural integrity of the tooth:
Fillings help to preserve the structural integrity and function of the tooth, especially when caries has already caused significant damage.
4. Replacement of existing seals:
Replacement of old or defective seals when they are worn, cracked or have new caries underneath.
5. Restoring damaged teeth:
For broken or cracked teeth, dental fillings are used to restore the tooth to its original form and function.
6. Aesthetic correction:
For certain aesthetic purposes, such as whitening discolored teeth or smoothing minor irregularities with composite fillings.
The aim of such treatments is usually to preserve tooth integrity, prevent further damage and maintain proper oral function.
In each case, the dentist will decide whether a filling is necessary and, if so, which material and procedure to use to achieve the best results.
How do you know if you have a cavity?
Early detection of tooth decay is important for effective treatment.
Below are some of the signs and symptoms that may indicate that you may have a cavity:
1. Toothache or Sensitivity:
One of the most common signs is spontaneous pain, possibly during chewing. If you experience sensitivity to hot, cold, sweet foods, drinks or pressure, it may indicate tooth decay.
2. Visible Holes or Black-brownish Spots:
You may notice small holes or discoloration on the surface of the tooth. These changes may be particularly noticeable in the grooves and on the surface of the tooth.
3. Sensitivity and Bitter Taste:
Cavities caused by tooth decay may have plaque or food debris on them, which can cause an unpleasant taste in the mouth. This may be a warning sign that tooth decay is present.
4. Swelling or Bad Breath:
If the gums around the tooth are sensitive or swollen, or if you experience constant bad breath, it may indicate a possible infected tooth or advanced cavities.
5. Burning Sensation or Pain during Pressure:
Some suspicious pressure or burning sensations around the tooth during meals may also be a sign of tooth decay.
If you notice these symptoms, it is recommended that you visit your dentist as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can help protect the tooth from further damage and prevent more serious complications.
And regular dental check-ups can help maintain healthy teeth and treat potential problems in time.
Symptoms of tooth decay
Tooth decay occurs when the tooth is damaged by bacteria. It is important to recognise the signs early to avoid more serious problems.
Here are some symptoms to watch out for:
1. Early signs:
- White spots may appear on the tooth, which may indicate that the tooth enamel has started to weaken. This stage is often not yet associated with pain.
2. Superficial caries:
- Discoloration, darker spots or small cavities may already be visible on the tooth.
- You may experience sensitivity when eating sweet or cold foods.
3. Advanced tooth decay:
- Deeper cavities can develop in the tooth.
- Sensitivity increases, especially to hot or cold foods and drinks, and when chewing.
4. Severe tooth decay:
- Involvement of the pulp, the inner part of the tooth, may cause severe toothache, which may occur spontaneously.
- The gums around the tooth may be swollen and sensitive, and swelling or abscesses may develop.
Diagnostic methods:
- Examination and regular dental check-ups can help detect early caries.
- X-rays can also identify hidden caries areas that are not visible for the eye.
To prevent tooth decay, it is important to brush thoroughly every day, floss, use fluoride toothpaste and see your dentist regularly.
If you notice any of the above signs, it is a good idea to see a dentist as soon as possible.
Why should you replace amalgam fillings?
There are several reasons for replacing amalgam fillings, depending of course on personal circumstances.
Here are some common reasons:
1. Health concerns: amalgam fillings contain mercury, which may cause some concern about possible health effects, although existing research suggests that they are generally safe. However, some people prefer to avoid long-term exposure to mercury.
2. Aesthetic reasons: amalgam fillings are silver-coloured, so they may be more noticeable in the teeth, especially if they are located in the front. Composite fillings are tooth-coloured and are considered by many to be more aesthetically pleasing.
3. Old compositions: amalgam fillings can wear, crack or leak over time. In these cases, the dentist may recommend replacing the filling to protect the tooth.
4. Damage to the tooth structure: in some cases, amalgam fillings can cause the tooth to crack or fracture, especially if they occupy a large area. Alternative fillings may put less pressure on the tooth structure.
5. Allergic reactions: Although rare, allergic reactions to amalgam components can occur.
6. Dentist’s recommendation: based on the dentist’s opinion, if he/she considers that the filling or the structure around the tooth needs to be replaced or repaired, he/she may recommend the removal of the amalgam.
In addition to the above, it is worth noting that it is not always necessary to replace an amalgam filling if it is working without problems.
Before making any decision, it is worth consulting your dentist in detail, getting a comprehensive analysis of the options and implications. The dentist can discuss your individual health and preferences and recommend the best solution accordinly.
What does the price of a dental filling depend on?
The surfaces of the teeth are named in different anatomical areas in order to accurately identify the location that needs treatment.
The tooth surfaces are called:
Mesialis: The surface that is closer to the midline of the face. This is the side facing the adjacent tooth towards the inside of the arch.
Occlusalis: the chewing surface of the molars and premolars. This surface is involved in crushing food.
Distalis: The surface that is farther from the midline of the face. It is the side facing the adjacent tooth, but closer to the outside of the arch.
Gingival: Although not directly referring to the surfaces, the gingival margin in dental terms is located below or above the interdental parts.
Buccalis: The surface that faces the face, such as the cheekbone or the side facing the front of the face.
Palatal/Lingival: In upper teeth, the palatal surface faces the palate, while in lower teeth it is called lingual because it faces the tongue.
Incisal: The edge of the front tooth where the incisal edge of the tooth is. It plays a major role in biting and slicing food.
These tooth surfaces are often combined to accurately mark different positions during dental treatment. For example, if a filling involves the mesial, occlusal and distal surfaces, it is called a MOD filling.
Since the location of the tooth surfaces determines the details of the treatment plan, their knowledge and proper identification is essential in dentistry.
From a pricing point of view, the amount of surfaces that have to be restored or treated, and the complexity of the process will affect the cost of treatment.
Frequently asked questions
What types of materials are available for fillings?
Fillings can be made of amalgam, composite (white filling), pressed ceramic or even gold.
How long do fillings last?
The lifespan depends on the material and oral hygiene: amalgam and gold fillings usually last 10-15 years, composite fillings 5-7 years.
What causes the need to replace tooth fillings?
Wear, cracking, edge sealing problems or new caries may develop under the seal, which may require replacement.
Is it painful to make a filling?
Local anaesthesia is used, so the patient usually feels no pain during the filling.
Is amalgam safe?
It is true that amalgam fillings are extremely durable, but the health risks are greater than the benefits of durability. This is why detoxification after amalgam filling replacement is becoming more and more accepted and important.
What aftercare is needed after a filling?
Avoid very hard foods and ensure good oral hygiene.
What should I do if the filling falls out?
Specialist dental care should be sought as soon as possible to have the tooth resealed and protected from further damage.
How can tooth decay be prevented?
By regular brushing, flossing, eating right and regular dental check-ups and cleanings.