Tooth Fillings
Tooth fillings are one of the most widely used methods in repairing and restoring decayed, damaged, or broken teeth. The procedure is fairly simple, quick, and straightforward. You have several filling materials to choose from: gold, silver amalgam, porcelain, and white fillings.
Each type of filling has advantages and limitations. Your dentist will recommend the type of filling that will address your needs. The severity of decay and your insurance coverage will also play a role in determining the right filling material for your tooth.
What are White Fillings?
White fillings are tooth-colored fillings made of plastic and glass materials. They are also called composite resin fillings. Composite is now the most popular filling material because it blends well with natural teeth and lasts longer than other fillings.
The most common use of white fillings is to fill a cavity in the tooth. But they are also used to repair worn-out teeth caused by teeth grinding (bruxism) or to replace a part of a cracked tooth. Depending on the location, the extent of decay, and the number of teeth to be filled, you will stay in your dentist’s office for about one hour. Repairing small cavities won’t take longer than 30 minutes.
Several teeth can be filled at once, so you don’t need a second appointment to fix multiple cavities. You also don’t need to worry about pain because the dentist will numb the area before working on your teeth.
A white filling repairs a decayed tooth back to its normal function and appearance. It looks more natural than metal fillings, so they are suitable for front teeth. Our dentists at HLC dental can tell you more about getting white fillings in Turkey; please feel free to contact us.
White Fillings vs Dental Amalgams
Silver amalgams are a stable mixture of mercury, silver, tin, and copper. They have been dentists’ preferred materials for many years, especially for patients looking for a low-cost solution. Their reliability and strength in load-bearing areas are unmatched.
However, because of the growing concern about mercury microleakage and the emergence of better materials, the use of amalgams has reduced in the past years. By contrast, white fillings are more expensive than amalgams, but they blend in easily and look like natural teeth.
White Fillings
Advantages
- Match the color of your teeth
- Composite resin bonds to your teeth and restores their strength
- Less drilling is required
- Usually covered by dental insurance
- Non-toxic and metal-free.
Disadvantages
- Not as long-lasting as silver amalgams (5-10 years)
- The process takes longer
- More expensive than silver amalgams
Amalgam Fillings
Advantages
- Inexpensive
- Usually covered by dental insurance
- Durable and long-lasting (10-15 years).
Disadvantages
- Does not match the color of your teeth
- May cause allergic reactions to some people
- Can create a grayish discoloration to the surrounding tooth structure
Tooth Filling Procedure
Inspection
During a check-up, your dentist will assess if you have a cavity that needs to be filled. He or she will examine each tooth and may even take an x-ray of your mouth. Once the affected tooth has been identified, the dentist will administer a local anesthetic to make the process comfortable for you.
Decay removal
This involves drilling and polishing the tooth to remove decay or plaques. The amount of tooth structure to be removed depends on the material used. With white fillings, only a small portion of the tooth is removed. Once the decay is removed, the dentist will clean the cavity and prepare the tooth for the filling.
Placing the dental composite
Successive layers of composite resin are applied to your tooth to make sure the tooth is properly filled.
Light curing
The dentist will then use a light-curing device that hardens each layer. At least 10 to 40 seconds of exposure is required for the bonding agent to harden.
Shaping and polishing
The dentist will use a drill to trim the filling to the desired shape. They may use a polishing disc or stone to come up with a beautiful finish.
Caring for Dental Fillings
Good oral hygiene is the key to maintaining your fillings. This includes visiting your dentist for regular cleanings, brushing with fluoride-containing toothpaste, and flossing at least once daily.
Gently check your bite when the anesthetic has worn off. If something is a bit off, report it to your dentist. An uneven bite can easily be corrected.
Afterward, you may feel some sensitivity and pain, but this should subside within a few days. Protect your teeth by using products designed especially for sensitive teeth.
Cost of White Fillings
White fillings are a great value for money because they are durable and not as expensive as other restorations, such as dental crowns or veneers. In the UK, the private cost can go as high as £250 per tooth.
The total cost of your treatment depends on how many fillings you need, the size of cavities, and the location of the tooth. Check all our dental treatment prices here.
Choose HLC Dental for White Fillings in Turkey
A white filling is a cost-effective solution for tooth decay or a broken tooth. They are designed to match the color of your teeth, so you won’t be too conscious when you smile or laugh. Our tooth-colored fillings are more durable and long-lasting than white fillings from decades ago.
Newer composite materials remain strong and hard after so many years without being brittle. If you are visiting Turkey and would like to have your teeth filled or wish to replace your existing metal fillings, get in touch with our team at HLC dental.
White Fillings FAQ
You won’t feel any pain while your tooth is being filled. But you may find the drilling part uncomfortable. Your teeth may feel very sensitive as the dentist removes the decay from your teeth. Deep cavities may cause pain during the procedure because they are closer to the nerve endings.
Composite fillings can last up to 10 years or more. It could last for decades in non-load-bearing teeth. Always follow your dentist’s advice on how to maintain your white fillings.
Silver amalgams used to be the go-to material for dental fillings, especially on teeth with large chewing surfaces. Many patients have been reluctant to choose composite resin because it was known to be less durable than mercury-based fillings.
However, modern composite materials have improved significantly. They are now as strong as dental amalgams and even much more durable in the long term. One advantage of white fillings over amalgams is that they bond better with natural teeth, so dentists only need to drill a small space to accommodate the composite.
Whatever type of dental fillings you have, you will have to replace them eventually. A damaged filling is a perfect breeding ground for harmful bacteria and can lead to further decay and pain.
Replace your old fillings if:
– They are showing some signs of wear and tear
– They are cracked
– Your teeth feel sensitive to hot or cold foods/drinks
– They look darker or yellowish
– You don’t like the unpleasant gray color of silver fillings
