Fillings

Fillings are restorative materials used to treat teeth affected by decay, wear or trauma. Typically I use white composite fillings. There are however other materials such as amalgam (silver filling), which in some instances may be advisable. Regardless of the filling material employed, the first step is for all the decay to be cleaned out and a cavity preparation made to receive the filling material of choice. The filling is then shaped and polished to ensure it functions, looks and feels like your natural tooth. It is common to experience minor sensitivity immediately after a new filling has been placed. Generally, sensitivity subsides in a matter of weeks. It is important to recognize that teeth even if restored can still get re-decayed. It is thus critical to maintain effective daily oral hygiene.

Many people are not aware that dental decay is actually the world’s most common heath problem. Cavities develop as a result of bacterial plaque forming on the surfaces of our teeth. The foods we eat provide oral bacteria with the ingredients necessary to produce harmful acids. It is the acid bacteria produce that overtime eats away at our teeth and eventually creates a sticky hole-decay. If left untreated, this break in tooth structure leads to thermal sensitivity (pain to hot and cold), biting pain (pain on function) and irritation to sweets. To best prevent tooth decay plaque must be removed from our teeth twice daily. Nevertheless, there are times when despite our best efforts, tooth decay develops and this process can occur at any age.  This is the rationale behind establishing an oral hygiene maintenance regime supplemented by effective twice daily personal home care to ensure early detection and prevention of oral health issues.