Fillings are used to restore teeth that have lost part of their structure, either to trauma or decay.
Repairing a tooth with a filling restores strength to the damaged tooth so it can be used to bite and chew normally and protects it from further damage.
There are several types of fillings available, and your dental professional can advise on the best one to keep your teeth healthy. This will depend on the location and severity of the damage, amongst some other factors. Some filling types include:
Composite fillings – these tooth coloured fillings are made of acrylic resin and other tiny ground particles, for a natural appearance and the ability to resist fracture in small to moderate restorations.
Ceramic/porcelain fillings – this type of filling is produced in our in-house lab before being applied to the teeth and is chosen for its resistance to cracks and stains.
Glass ionomer fillings – this semi-permanent dental filling material is most commonly chosen for younger patients. They’re tooth-coloured and bond easily with tooth tissue – generally lasting up to around 5 years.
Gold fillings – similar in structure to enamel, gold fillings are often chosen for non-aesthetic cases. They’re extremely durable and can last for 10-15 years.
