Home Blog Everything You Need to Know About Dental Fillings

Everything You Need to Know About Dental Fillings

July 26, 2023

Everything You Need to Know About Dental Fillings - Types of Dental Fillings

Tooth decay is one of the most common dental problems and getting a filling done is one of the most common dental procedures. When a tooth is damaged by decay, a filling can restore the tooth to its normal state and appearance. Additionally, by closing up the space, a filling protects against further decay and limits the ways by which bacteria can enter. Fillings may be made from different materials and be of different types. Understanding the hows and whys of dental fillings will help you ask your dentist the right questions and feel more comfortable about the procedure.

The Different Types of Dental Fillings

Various materials may be used for fillings, including the following:

  • Gold fillings are made in the laboratory and sent to the dentist (who gave the desired specifications)so that they may be cemented into place. Gold is one of the most popular materials for fillings as it is long-lasting and well-tolerated by gum tissue. The downside of gold fillings is the cost.
  • Similar to gold fillings, porcelain fillings too are made in the laboratory. They are also known as onlays or inlays. They can be made to match the color of the natural teeth and are resistant to staining. The cost of these fillings is similar to the cost of gold ones.
  • Silver fillings, also known as amalgam fillings, are less costly and very resistant to wear. They are darker in color than natural teeth and so are not normally used for the visible front teeth. Instead, they are usually used for teeth at the back of the mouth.
  • Composite or plastic resins can be matched to the color of the existing teeth and are made by the dentist herself. The ingredients that make up the composite material are mixed in the dentist's office and then placed directly into the previously cleaned cavity where they harden. These are slightly more delicate than other materials and are normally used where a natural appearance is desired and not for large fillings where the chances of chipping are greater.

Also Read: 5 Benefits of Having a Family Dentist


How a Dental Filling is Done?

  • The dentist will numb the area where the filling is to be done.
  • Special instruments are used to clean the decayed area.
  • The dentist will check if all the decay has been removed and once she is sure, she will clean out any bacteria and debris.
  • If the decay is near the root, a liner may be put in place first to protect the nerve.
  • The filling is then put into place.
  • Finishing and polishing are done.
  • Depending on the type of filling, some additional steps such as using special light to harden or "cure" the filling material may be required.
  • Once the procedure is completed, you can leave the dentist's office.

Also Read: Pediatric Dental Problems 101 - What Parents Need to Know


Care and Maintenance of Dental Fillings

The purpose of the filling is to replace the damaged portion of a tooth to allow for normal function. Usually, no special care is required for the filling. However, normal oral hygiene must be maintained. In addition:

  • You should visit your dentist at the intervals she advises for cleaning. This is normally part of the recommended 6 monthly dental checkups.
  • Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride.
  • Floss regularly.
  • The dentist will tell you about any special precautions you may need to take.

Once a filling is in place, you will not have any further problems with that tooth. Your dentist is the best source of reliable information on whether a filling is required or another procedure may be better. If a filling is advised, the dentist will tell you what type of filling is best for you.



RECENT POSTS

Single Tooth Implants vs. Full Arch: Techniques Compared

Smiles for All Ages: Your Guide to Family-Friendly Dental Care in San Jose

Affordable Dental Implants in San Jose: A Breakdown of Expenses

Invisalign for Adults: Is It Too Late to Straighten Your Teeth?

Post-Pandemic Stress-Related Dental Damage and Treatments

Dental Trends to Watch in 2025 - Innovations in Oral Care

New Year, New Smile: Top Dental Hygiene Resolutions for 2025

Cosmetic Dentistry Before the Holidays: Get Ready to Smile!

Preventive Dental Care: Assessing Your Dental Needs Before Year-End

How Stress Affects Oral Health: Understanding the Connection

Back-to-School Dental Checklist: A Guide for Parents and Kids

Dental Care in the Bay Area for International Travelers without Insurance

Discovering Hidden Health Risks: How Dentists Can Spot Cardiovascular Issues

The Importance of Oral Care for Mothers

The Importance of Flossing

The Risks of DIY Aligners

Critical Evaluation of DIY Aligners: Advantages and Disadvantages

10 Dental New Year Resolutions You Should Make

The Side-Effects of Home Teeth Whitening

The Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening

Uncovering the Brilliance of Veneers: The Profound Power of a Radiant Smile

The Surprisingly Long History of Dental Fillings

Everything You Need to Know About Dental Fillings

Pediatric Dental Problems 101 – What Parents Need to Know

Understanding Pediatric Dental Health: When Tooth Extraction May Be Necessary for Your Child

Pollution and Oral Health

What Does Dental Surgery Mean?

How Is Dental Implant Surgery Done?

Dental Implant Surgery - What You Need to Know

Is Teeth Whitening Safe?

What happens if you Do Not go for Dental Checkups?

Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign

Four Tips for Choosing the Best Dental Clinic in San Jose

What Does a Cosmetic Dentist Do?

What Happens During a Dental Exam?

Treating Gum Disease

How to Prepare for Orthodontic Treatment

Dental Implants - What They Are and What They Do

How to Find a Good Dental Office

Dental Care and Dental Treatment for Seniors

Your Mouth, Your Smile, And Your Health

Understanding Common Dental Treatments

When Does a Dental Condition Turn into Emergency Dental Care?

What Is the Best Crown Type for the Front Teeth?

Why Don't Emergency Rooms Handle Dental Emergencies?

5 Benefits of Having a Family Dentist

5 Common Types of Dental Emergencies

Laser Dental Treatment: The Way to the Best Dental Care

5 Things Every Person with Dentures Needs To Know

What are the Most Common Dental Diseases?

What Is a Mouthguard?

5 Reasons Why Baby Teeth are Important

Dental Care During Winter - Ways to Protect your Teeth

Grinding and Clenching Teeth – The Harmful Effects

New Trends in Dentistry and What They Mean For Patients

Importance of Orthodontic Treatments

Importance Of Properly Aligned/Straight Teeth

Who's Afraid of Dental X-Rays?

Precautions to be Taken When Visiting Your Dentist

Diet, Oral Hygiene and Pregnancy - What You Need To Know

COVID 19 - What You Need To Know

Why you must say 'yes' to Fluoride

Importance of Straight Teeth

Gum Disease and Systemic Health

Teens and Teeth

Why Baby Teeth are Important

Fluoride and Teeth

Implant Vs Bridge

Men And Dental Health

Women And Oral Health

How Smiling And laughing Affect Your Health


Hills Dental Group Logo

5150 Graves Ave, Suite 5C
San Jose, CA 95129

(408) 725-1536

  • Google Reviews
  • Yelp Reviews
  • Follow us on Facebook
  • Follow us on Instagram
  • Follow us on Twitter
  • Follow us on LinkedIn
  • LBN Business Profile

Office Hours

Monday

: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Tuesday

: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Wednesday

: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Thursday

: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Friday

: Closed

Saturday

: Closed

Sunday

: Closed

 

 


SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWLETTER

* indicates required

Copyright © 2020-2025 Hills Dental Group. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policies