If you have a sore spot, sensitivity when eating hot or cold, or a metallic taste in your mouth, you may have tooth decay, and need a dental filling. These cavities can be filled with tooth-coloured composite fillings to restore your teeth’s strength and appearance.
To repair a cavity, your dental practitioner will remove the decayed portion of the tooth and fill the area with a filling material.
Dental filling materials used will depend on the location of the tooth, the size and depth of the cavity, and your personal preference.
Dental fillings are typically recommended if the damage to your natural tooth structure has not affected the pulp/nerve in the centre of the tooth. If you have a tooth that is severely decayed or damaged, a dental crown may be recommended. Dental crowns cover the entire tooth, and can be made from gold, porcelain, or ceramic.
Nothing lasts forever! Once Fillings are placed, they require regular and close monitoring to check for early signs of tooth wear and defects in the fillings. Early intervention treatments save teeth from extensive and expensive treatments or in some cases tooth loss.