How long do fillings on teeth last?

In general: amalgam fillings last 5 to 25 years. composite fillings last 5 to 15 years. gold fillings last 15 to 20 years.

Which type of dental filling is better?

A silver amalgam filling has been the most recommended dental filling for many years, dating back several generations. The biggest benefit to silver amalgam is that it tends to last much longer than various other forms of dental fillings, although the increase in dependability does come at a higher financial cost.

How painful are dental fillings?

No. Your dentist will numb the area and use a numbing gel before injecting a local anesthetic known as Lidocaine. You may feel a bit of a sting, but that's a reaction from the local anesthetic when it starts to block the nerve signals to stop the pain.

Dental Fillings

Restore Your Teeth with Affordable Dental Fillings in Canterbury from EDentist

Tooth decay and cracks can jeopardise your oral hygiene and appearance. Once you’ve experienced tooth damage or have a cavity, treating your tooth as soon as possible is crucial. Dental fillings help prevent oral diseases and complications that stem from tooth decay and damage.

At our Canterbury dental clinic, our EDentist staff offers high-quality and affordable dental fillings. Call today to restore your oral health and tooth structure efficiently.

Dental Fillings Procedure

The first step in our EDentist dental fillings procedure is an examination. You’ll be able to ask any questions and raise any concerns you may have, like a sensitive or aching tooth. Your dentist will inspect your teeth with a dental probe to locate the cavity or tooth damage. Your dentist will walk you through the process to ensure your comfort. Depending on the severity of the cavity, the dentist may use a local anesthetic to numb the area surrounding your tooth. The anesthetic helps ensure that your dental fillings procedure is painless.

The next step is to remove the decay. The dentist will use a metal drill or a laser to cut through the tooth and remove any damaged enamel. They’ll then clean the area to remove the decayed tooth material to prepare for the filling. Finally, your dentist will fill the open tooth area with a stable filling material and cure it with a specialised light. After a quick polish, you’ll be on your way with a restored tooth.

Types of Dental Fillings

During your consultation, you can choose your dental filling material. At EDentist Canterbury, we offer composite and amalgam fillings. Each material is high-quality and durable, so the choice is mainly based on your budget and preference for appearance. Tooth-coloured composite resin is the most popular dental filling material due to its natural look. We make our composite resin tooth-coloured to match your natural teeth. Composite fillings will blend in with your smile, making them practically unnoticeable.

On the other hand, dental amalgam will stand out from the rest of your teeth. The mixture of metal alloys results in a dark colour. Affordable amalgam fillings allow you to make an aesthetic statement while maintaining your oral hygiene and function.

Dental Fillings Aftercare

While the procedures and results for composite and amalgam fillings are essentially identical, the aftercare is slightly different. Because composite fillings set immediately, you can bite and eat food as soon as you leave your appointment. However, amalgam fillings can take an extra day to set. We recommend waiting to eat solid foods for 24 hours after your procedure. If you choose to eat, try avoiding hard, sticky, and chewy foods. These foods can complicate the quality of the amalgam before it has a chance to set.

Some tooth sensitivity and discomfort are normal after you receive dental fillings in Canterbury. However, contact your dentist if they last longer than a couple of weeks or if you feel any sharp pains.

Avoid Hot and Cold Foods and Drinks

Steaming hot and ice-cold foods and drinks can irritate your gums and slow the recovery process. Avoid coffee, ice cream, and other extreme temperature substances.

Maintain a Healthy Diet

Eating foods with a low amount of sugar can speed up the recovery process and help you avoid any setbacks.

Don’t Smoke or Use Tobacco

Smoking and chewing tobacco may irritate your dental filling and result in an oral infection. Aloow your mouth to heal for at least 12 hours after your procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Dental Fillings Expensive?

Dental fillings are relatively inexpensive compared to other types of treatments such as cosmetic surgery. However, they can be quite costly if you need multiple procedures.

When are Dental Fillings considered Emergency?

Dental fillings can be considered an emergency if they cause pain, bleeding gums, fever, or swelling.

Can I choose the Type of Dental Filling for Me?

Yes, you can choose the type of dental fillings for yourself. The dentist will discuss with you what kind of treatment would be best suited for your needs.

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