Dental Fillings
What Are Dental Fillings and Why Do You Need Them?
Dental fillings are restorative materials used to repair teeth damaged by decay, cracks, or wear. They fill cavities, restore tooth structure, and prevent further decay or infection. You need fillings when bacteria erode enamel, forming holes in your teeth. Timely treatment with a filling helps maintain tooth strength, function, and appearance—avoiding more extensive procedures like root canals or extractions. At Dento Hub Dental and Implant Centre, we use advanced, tooth-colored materials for durable and natural-looking results.
Materials Used for Dental Fillings
- Composite Resin – Tooth-colored, blends naturally with teeth, ideal for front or visible areas.
- Amalgam – Durable silver-colored alloy made from mercury, silver, tin, and copper, typically used for back teeth.
- Ceramic (Porcelain) – Aesthetic and stain-resistant, suitable for larger fillings, often used in inlays/onlays.
- Gold – Strong and long-lasting, though more expensive and noticeable.
- Glass Ionomer – Releases fluoride, bonds well to tooth structure, often used for children or near the gumline.
When determining the best type of filling, dentists consider the specific needs of the cavity, including cost and stain resistance. For permanent tooth fillings, ceramics or porcelain materials are often recommended, followed by composite fillings and gold.
Symptoms Indicating the Need for a Filling
- Toothache or spontaneous pain – Persistent or sharp pain without a clear cause.
- Sensitivity – Discomfort when consuming hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks.
- Visible holes or dark spots – Noticeable damage or discoloration on the tooth surface.
- Rough or chipped areas – Changes you can feel with your tongue.
- Food getting stuck – Frequent trapping of food in a specific tooth.
- Pain when biting or chewing – Could signal decay or a cracked tooth needing repair.
Consequences of Not Getting a Filling
Neglecting to get a dental filling when needed can lead to progressive tooth decay. What may start as a small cavity can quickly worsen, damaging deeper layers of the tooth. This can result in increased sensitivity, severe pain, and even visible tooth damage. As the decay advances, it may reach the pulp (the innermost part of the tooth), causing infection, inflammation, or an abscess—conditions that are far more painful and require extensive treatment like root canal therapy or tooth extraction.
Beyond physical discomfort, avoiding a filling can affect your overall oral health. The infection can spread to surrounding teeth and gums, increasing the risk of gum disease and further tooth loss. It can also lead to bad breath, difficulty eating, and impact your self-confidence due to visible damage or missing teeth. Moreover, delaying treatment often results in higher costs and more complicated procedures compared to a simple, timely filling.
The Procedure for Dental Filling
- Examination & Diagnosis – Our dentist evaluates your tooth using visual inspection and digital X-rays to locate decay or damage.
- Anesthesia – Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area and ensure a pain-free experience.
- Decay Removal – The decayed portion of the tooth is carefully removed using precise dental instruments.
- Tooth Preparation – The cleaned cavity is shaped and prepared to securely hold the filling material.
- Filling Placement – The chosen material (composite, ceramic, etc.) is applied in layers, cured with a special light, and shaped to match your bite.