At Pembroke Dental Ballsbridge, we are passionate about giving our patients fabulous and natural-looking smiles. We are sticklers for detail — we care about all aspects of your teeth, from how straight and white they are to the materials used in your tooth fillings.
Read on to find out what tooth fillings are, the benefits of fillings and when you might need an emergency dentist in Dublin D4 to help you.
What Is a Tooth Filling?
A tooth filling is a dental treatment used to restore the function, shape and integrity of a damaged tooth. They are usually required as a result of tooth decay or external trauma and involve removing decay and repairing the affected area. Fillings come in a variety of materials. To avoid the odds of needing a filling, it is best to organise regular dental examinations with your local Dublin D4 dentist.
Why Would I Need a Tooth Filling?
There are several signs and symptoms that indicate you may require a filling:
- You notice dark spots on your teeth.
- Food has a tendency to get stuck between certain teeth.
- You have a hole you can see or feel on your teeth.
- You notice that when you floss, the dental floss continually rips and shreds in a certain spot.
- Your tooth is rough, broken or chipped.
- You’ve previously had a filling that has been lost.
Benefits and Advantages of Tooth Fillings
Tooth fillings offer the following benefits, including:
- Giving dentists the opportunity to repair cavities and address decay so that these issues don’t develop into something requiring more serious treatment, such as a root canal
- Helping to prevent tooth loss
- Limiting damage caused by trauma
- Helping to re-establish the normal function of the tooth
- Protecting the remaining tooth structure
- Preventing damage to the nerve of the tooth.
What Are the Different Types of Tooth Fillings?
In the past, options for tooth fillings were generally limited to silver amalgam (mercury mixed with silver, tin, zinc and copper). Thankfully, as amalgam doesn’t match the colour of your teeth, this has since changed. The materials used today allow for a more natural look.
Today, you can get fillings in the following materials:
- Porcelain
- Composite resin
- Glass ionomer
- Gold
- Silver amalgam
The location and extent of the decay, the cost of the filling material and your dentist’s recommendation will ultimately determine what type of tooth filling is best for you. However, here at Pembroke Dental Ballsbridge, we recommend the use of white fillings for a more natural-looking smile.
Dental Fillings — Our Process and Procedure
When you come to get a tooth filling, what can you expect? Here is an outline of our procedure at Pembroke Dental Ballsbridge:
- Your dentist will talk you through the procedure to put you at ease.
- Your gums and surrounding skin will be numbed so you won’t feel any pain during the procedure.
- Your dentist will clean the affected area.
- Your dentist will remove the decay in the tooth and replace it with a filling. This process will only take a few minutes.
You should expect the entire process to take roughly an hour. You should also expect a degree of numbness in your mouth for a few hours following your tooth-filling procedure. There aren’t any notable risks associated with fillings, but if you have any worries or concerns following the procedure, be sure to get in touch with Pembroke Dental Ballsbridge.
I Lost My Filling — Do I Need an Emergency Dentist?
It can be a bit confusing to know what exactly constitutes a dental emergency. If you have a filling (whether a new one or a previous filling that has been lost) that has become debilitating and disruptive, don’t be afraid to call an emergency dentist for an emergency appointment. Once your dentist in Dublin D4 has checked your tooth, they can decide what needs to be done and if it needs to be treated immediately. This is always the recommended option for total peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Tooth Fillings
How Much Do Dental Fillings Cost?
The cost of your filling will depend on the material used and the extent of the decay. Generally, the more convincing and natural-looking the fillings, the more they cost, but they are of a much higher quality.
How Can I Take Care of My Fillings?
Taking care of fillings is easy. All you need to do is keep up with your regular dental care routine — brush and floss twice a day and attend regular dental check-ups. If you notice any changes or discomfort, let your dentist know.
What Can I Expect after Getting My Filling?
You can expect some numbness for a few hours following your filling procedure, and some patients experience an increased level of sensitivity. This might last for up to three weeks, but it will gradually lessen and is nothing to be concerned about. If you feel the sensitivity is too much to deal with, an over-the-counter painkiller will help.
Can Excessive Biting or Teeth Grinding Affect a Filling?
Yes — habits such as excessive biting and teeth grinding can cause the filling to break over time. If this affects you, tell your dentist, who will work with you to closely monitor it.
Will a White Filling Lose Its Colour?
Yes, it’s possible that, over time, the filling will lose its white colour. This can be exacerbated by consuming staining foods and drinks, such as black coffee and wine, or by smoking. The better you take care of your teeth, the longer you can expect your filling to remain in peak condition.
Getting Tooth Fillings at Pembroke Dental Ballsbridge
We take your teeth and your concerns seriously here in Dublin D4, and we take pride in delivering excellent service to our patients. See what our previous patients have to say about Pembroke Dental Ballsbridge:
“I had a very good experience getting fillings lately in Pembroke Dental Ballsbridge with David. Up until now I have avoided getting fillings replaced or renewed due to bad experiences in my youth with other dentists. However, with the sedation offered I must admit I had no issues or concerns on the follow-up visits to get the remaining fillings. All done for now and I am very happy with the experience. Lorraine the hygienist is also to be praised for her consideration and her care and treatment”.
— Brian Horgan
“Fantastic service at Pembroke Dental Ballsbridge! I couldn’t recommend David and the team more highly.”
— Finn Murphy
To enquire about tooth fillings or to replace existing metal fillings, organise a dental consultation with our expert dental team in Dublin D4 today. Call us on 01 668 3242.
