White Fillings
It is not uncommon for people, even those with a good oral health regime, to experience some tooth decay over the years. As a tooth decays cavities are created and this can erode your teeth further. To prevent any further decay, you need to make sure all cavities are restored. The most common method of restoring cavities is through dental fillings. There are two main dental fillings, amalgam fillings, also known as silver fillings, and white fillings. White fillings are becoming the more popular one of the two.
White fillings, also known as composite fillings is a tooth-coloured plastic mixture filled with glass (silicon dioxide). These can be used to restore tooth decay and for aesthetic purposes, to change the colour and even reshape flawed teeth.
Silver vs White Fillings
White filling advantages:
•A white tooth filling is matched to the colour of your teeth, meaning you cannot see the filling.
•It protects more of your natura teeth structure than a silver filling because its composite materials help it to bond to the tooth better.
•Prevents tooth sensitivity from tooth decay.
White filling disadvantages:
•May discolour, especially if you eat staining foods such as coffee.
•The procedure takes slightly longer than a silver filling.
•Some white fillings cannot be used in moist areas of the mouth, such as on back teeth.
Silver filling advantages:
•They are strong and long-lasting, they can last for 10-15 years.
•More affordable and more convenient.
•Can be used on all teeth, including the back teeth.
Silver filling disadvantages:
•The metallic filling is visible when you open your mouth, silver fillings are not as aesthetically pleasing as white ones.
•Some dentists believe there is a small risk from the tiny amount of mercury in silver fillings.
•Some people may be allergic to the mercury in the filling and may have a hypersensitivity reaction to it.
What would a dentist recommend?
Dentists are more likely to recommend white fillings over silver ones. This is because the white filling we use today is comprised of incredibly strong and durable resin polymer materials. The matrix of these materials is sometimes reinforced with nano-hybrid glass ceramics, this strengthens the material further, making it less prone to wear and tear. In addition, the preparation of the tooth for a white filling is more conservative, so when tooth decay is removed more tooth structure is left in-tact. This means that having a white filling over a silver one will help your damaged tooth to remain more natural, stronger and more durable.
The procedure of a white filling
Although the white fillings cost varies depending on where you have it done, the procedure is always the same.
•Stage one: local anaesthetic.
Before a dentist does anything they will usually numb the area to make it as pain-free as possible. They usually do this by administering injections of local anaesthetic. You will need to wait for the anaesthetic to take effect, which usually takes about 30 minutes.
•Stage two: removing the tooth cavity.
A small drill is used to replace any decayed tooth, as well as any small areas that are beginning to decay. They will also shape, clean and dry the tooth. This is pain-free, you’ll just feel a buzzing sensation and some pressure.
•Stage three: The filling is placed.
Once all the decayed tooth has been removed the cavity will be filled with either a silver or white filling, depending on which tooth it is and if you’re having the filling at an NHS dental practice or a private one.
•Stage four: final checks.
The dentist will check with you that your bite still feels right.
After the procedure, and once the anaesthetic has worn off, you may suffer with toothache. Simple over-the-counter pain medication should help with this.
White Fillings Images
How to tell if you need a filling
Here are some common symptoms which suggest you might need to have a filling:
- Tooth sensitivity. If a tooth feels sensitive to certain foods and/or hot or cold temperatures.
- Torn dental floss. If your dental floss string tears when you floss a particular tooth.
- Damage to previous fillings. If you can see a previous filling is damaged or cracked, you will need to replace the filling.
- Cracked or chipped tooth. If you have chipped, cracked or fractured a tooth you will likely need a filling (and/or a crown) to repair it.
- Food between teeth. When you eat if you find there is always food stuck behind a certain tooth, you may need a filling.
- Dark or rough teeth. If you see any dark spots on your tooth, or feel rough patches, this could be a hole in your tooth, for which you’ll need a white filling.
- Pain. If you have pain coming from a particular tooth, either a sharp pain or a throbbing one, there is a chance you have a cavity that needs repairing.
Noticing any of these signs? It’s worth getting checked sooner rather than later. – Book an appointment
White fillings FAQ’s
1.How much does a white filling cost?
The cost of white fillings varies depending on where you choose to have the filling done. If you use an NHS dental facility you’ll get white fillings front teeth, but you can only have metal fillings in the back teeth, the price is the same. If you choose to have a white filling from a private clinic, you can expect to pay between £40 and £250, depending on the tooth that needs filling and the severity of the decay.
2.How long do white fillings last?
Most white fillings will last for about ten years. However, they can last a lifetime if they are properly cared for. So the answer to the question how long does a white filling last? Really depends on the person who has the filling.
3.Can i eat after a white filling?
It is advised that you wait at least two hours before eating after having a filling, however, some dentists may ask you to avoid chewing on the filled tooth for 24 hours after. When you ask your dentist “can you eat after a white filling” they will most likely tell you to avoid certain foods for a day, including hard foods (such as nuts, fruit and candy), chewy foods (like pizza crusts and fibrous meats) and sticky foods (such as caramel, toffee and dried fruits).