Page 32 - Boyne Dental E-Mag

Fillings help restore teeth damaged by decay back to their normal function, and can prevent fur-
ther decay. Your dentist will consider a number of factors when choosing which type of filling material
is best for you. These factors include the extent of the repair, where in your mouth the filling is needed
and the cost. White fillings are composite resins use to change the colour or shape of the tooth. The
procedure is simple and consists of just one appointment. Your dentist will first choose the shade of
the composite that best matches your tooth colour. After removing the decay, he or she will use a spe-

cial curing light to harden each layer of filling material. The filling will be shaped to fit your tooth and
polished so that it remains smooth and resistant to staining. One of the advantages of white fillings is
that, with a good colour match, its almost impossible to see that the tooth has been restored. And be-
cause these fillings bond directly to the enamel, they’re strong and resist wear, usually lasting more
than five years. With current advances in composite materials, many are holding up even longer!

Keeping your White Fillings Healthy

To keep your fillings looking the best, and to prevent the need for any more repairs, you have to stay
on top of the most basic oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and
soft bristled toothbrush and make a habit of flossing once a day. Limit sugary snacks and soda drinks

and see your dentist regularly for exams and cleanings.
What to expect during a Filling

 Local anaesthesia—at the beginning of your filling procedure, you may be given local anaesthe-

sia to numb the area around the tooth
 Tooth decay removal—then the dentist will cut through the enamel using a drill to remove any
decay. After the dentist removes the decay, he will shape the space to ready it for the filling.

 Etching—for a bonded filling, your dentist will etch the tooth with an acid gel before placing the

filling.
 Resin application– for certain types of fillings, the dentist will layer on the resin and harden it us-

ing a bright light. This will make it stronger.
 Polishing– after the filling has been placed, your dentist will polish the tooth.