What are White Fillings?

Fillings are used in the dental industry to repair cavities (holes) that have developed in the hard outer shell of the teeth, as a result of decay and generally bad oral hygiene. Dentists can use amalgam to fill the holes, which is a mixture of various hard-wearing metals, but it is more common in modern practice to use composite bonding material, often referred to as ‘white fillings.’ Composite filler not only repairs the damage left by cavities and protects the inner pulp from bacteria, it also matches the natural shade of the enamel, so that the fillings are barely noticeable when put in place. The material is malleable, and dries to a very hard finish, which makes it perfect to withstand the daily wear and tear that human teeth go through.

As well as being used for white fillings, composite material can be used to repair small cracks and chips, and for replacing amalgam fillings – if the patient wants their teeth to look better or the metal is causing them problems. In some circumstances, composite bonding can be used to build an entirely new smile, but most dentists would recommend a more durable material, such as porcelain, for this procedure, as filler is better suited to small restorations, rather than cosmetic enhancement.

Because composite filler is relatively new to the dental market – compared to amalgam – it is often considered a suitable replacement for older, metal fillings, which can appear unsightly when the patient smiles or opens their mouth. Thanks to its colour and texture, white filler is perfect for creating a natural-looking finish, so that no one will even notice that dental repair work has been performed. There is also some debate about the safety of amalgam fillings that contain mercury, and it’s always helpful to have a stand-by method if they should need to be removed.

Can I get a white filling if I have a lot of tooth decay?

Large cavities will put the structure of the teeth at risk, as well as probably causing you some pain, so it’s not normally a good idea to use white fillings to try and fix the problem; the material is more suited to small areas that are not exposed to a lot of pressure, if it were to be fitted into a large cavity, it would start to crumble under the force of regular chewing. In cases where there is extensive dental decay present, dentist will either chose to fit a ceramic filling, which is stronger and very natural-looking, or to fill the tooth and place a porcelain crown over the top. This process will extend the length of your treatment, but should provide you with a strong, aesthetically pleasing restoration, that will last you for many years.

How is a white filling fitted?

Before any surgery can be performed, you need to be anaesthetised; this is normally administered directly to the area in question, rather than generally, at is safer to keep you awake during your treatment. Anaesthetic should only need a few minutes to take effect, and the dentist can begin drilling to remove the decayed portions – there’s no point fitting a filling over rotten enamel, the problem will only get worse over time, and you will be back at square one. The empty holes are then thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, to remove any bacteria or remaining debris that could cause decay to set in again; it’s important that the surface is properly prepared, or the composite material will not be able to bond sufficiently with it, and the treatment will ultimately fail. The surgical site is then isolated from the surrounding areas, using either a rubber sheet or cotton wads; this is so that no moisture can enter the cavity and interfere with the bonding process. It is also necessary to etch the inner wall of the tooth – where the fillings will sit, to help the composite material adhere firmly in place.

Your dentist will have to choose the correct shade of filler, so that it is not noticeable once it is added to your teeth, then they can begin the filling process. The amount of composite bonding has to be carefully measured; otherwise the restoration will overflow and obstruct the bite, which is usually quite painful for the patient. When the white filling has been properly fitted, it needs to be exposed to a warm light, called a curing light, which will activate the ingredients in the composite and cause it to harden very quickly. Some dentists may not carry out this part of the treatment; it depends on the type of composite material they have selected.

It is quite normal to apply white fillings in two or more layers, hardening them individually, particularly if the treated tooth is visible at the front of the mouth. This method is often used in restorative treatments because it allows the dentist to build up the size of the filling gradually, and it can give a more natural result, in terms of shape, texture, and appearance. It is also good practice to polish the repaired tooth, in order to cover the seams and to make sure your teeth are in great condition before you leave the clinic.

How much does a white filling cost?

The price of dental surgery can vary greatly from place to place, and you are mostly paying for the skill of the dentist, rather than the product itself. An estimated figure would be around a hundred pounds for a small composite filling, but repair work could cost quite a bit more than that. The high-end cosmetic dentists are likely to charge much more than your local surgery, and if the treatment requires an emergency appointment, that will push the price up even more. For great service at reasonable prices, call the Pearl Dental Clinic today, they can provide you with the very best in modern dental treatment, as well as various cosmetic enhancements, that won’t break the bank. If you are having trouble with finances, there may  be some payment schemes that your dentist can organise for you, enquire at the surgery when you call to book a consultation.