The best material to choose for your tooth filling

The best material to choose for your tooth filling

Getting a filling is a big benefit that can help to prevent further damage to your teeth. But did you know there is more than one material you can choose to use as the filling? Is there one material that is better than the others? Or are they all similar?

In this blog, we will tell you about the best material to choose for your tooth filling.

Over 40% of people in the Northwest of England have struggled to attend a dentist appointment, whether this be through failure to be referred by the NHS, or for other reasons. And when it comes to fillings, the longer you leave it, the worse the issue can become.

Whether it’s your eyes or teeth that are the issue, the team here at Eye & Dental Clinic are leading by example in both minor eye care and cosmetic dentistry, along with emergency dental treatment. Provided by real people whose aim and passion is to ensure remarkable clinical care so you can live comfortably.

What is a filling?

A filling is a material used by dentists to repair a damaged area of your teeth, most commonly caused by tooth decay or cavities. Here’s a breakdown of what fillings are and why they’re important:

• A filling is a durable substance used to restore a tooth that has been damaged or decayed.
• The dentist removes the decayed portion of the tooth and then fills the empty space with the filling material. This helps to:
  • Prevent further decay from spreading.
  • Restore the tooth’s shape and function.
  • Improve the strength of the tooth.
  • Reduce pain or sensitivity.

Why are fillings needed?

• Tooth decay is the most common cause of requiring a filling.
• Plaque build-up on teeth creates acids that can eat away at the tooth’s enamel, creating a cavity.
• If left untreated, the decay can progress deeper into the tooth, causing pain and potentially leading to tooth loss.

Signs you might need a filling:

• Pain or sensitivity in your teeth, especially when consuming hot or cold foods/drinks.
• Visible holes or cracks in your tooth.
• Stains on the tooth’s surface.
• Difficulty chewing.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see your dentist for a checkup. Early detection and treatment of cavities can help prevent the need for more extensive dental procedures in the future.

Can I avoid having fillings?

Yes. By following the steps below, you will avoid the need to have fillings. But also consider the fact that if you have only started to incorporate these methods, you may still need a filling if there is significant decay/damage to your teeth.

Here are some key strategies to prevent the need for fillings and keep your teeth healthy:

• Brushing and Flossing: This is the foundation of good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, using a fluoride toothpaste. Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth.
• Fluoride: Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent cavities. Use fluoridated toothpaste, and consider fluoride supplements or treatments if recommended by your dentist. In the UK, fluoride is added to most public water supplies.
• Healthy Diet: Limit sugary foods and drinks, as these can contribute to tooth decay. Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, which provide essential nutrients for oral health.
• Regular Dental Checkups: Visit your dentist for checkups and cleanings at least once every six months. This allows them to detect cavities early on when they are easier and less expensive to treat.

Additional Tips:

• Consider using mouthwash as an additional cleaning tool, but not as a replacement for brushing and flossing.
• Avoid using your teeth for tasks like opening bottles or chewing on hard objects, which can damage them.
• If you smoke or use tobacco products, quit. Smoking increases your risk of gum disease and tooth decay.

The best material to choose for your tooth filling

The best material for your dental filling will depend on various factors, including the location and size of the cavity, your dentist’s recommendation, and your budget. Here’s a breakdown of the most common filling materials used by the NHS and private dentists in the UK:

NHS fillings:

• Composite resin (white fillings): This is the most common type of filling used by the NHS for front teeth and small to medium cavities in back teeth. They are tooth-coloured, making them aesthetically pleasing, and bond directly to the tooth for added strength.
• Glass ionomer: Another tooth-coloured option, sometimes used for fillings near the gum line or for smaller cavities in children’s teeth. They can release fluoride to help prevent future decay.

Private fillings (may also be available on the NHS):

• Composite resin (white fillings): As with NHS fillings, this is a popular choice for private dentists due to its aesthetics and durability. However, private dentists may offer a wider range of composite materials with potentially better cosmetic results.
• Dental amalgam (silver fillings): These traditional metal fillings are still used in some cases by private dentists, particularly for large cavities in back teeth where strength and durability are a major concern. However, their use is declining due to aesthetic reasons.
• Inlays and onlays: These are custom-made ceramic or gold restorations used for larger cavities or damaged teeth. They offer superior strength and aesthetics compared to traditional fillings, but are also more expensive.

Things to consider when getting a filling

• Durability: How long do you expect the filling to last? Composite fillings and inlays/onlays generally last longer than amalgam fillings.
• Cost: NHS fillings are typically more affordable than private fillings.
• Aesthetics: If the filling is in a visible location, you may prefer a tooth-coloured filling for cosmetic reasons.
• Your dentist’s recommendation: Discuss your options with your dentist based on your specific situation. They can advise you on the best material for your needs.

Should I avoid certain foods to prevent a filling?

Complete avoidance isn’t necessary, only moderation and proper aftercare. Certain foods can contribute to tooth decay, which can then necessitate a filling. Here’s how:

• Sugary foods and drinks: Bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar and produce acid as a by-product. This acid can erode tooth enamel over time, leading to cavities. Examples include sugary sodas, candy, pastries, and processed fruit juices.
• Starchy foods: While not directly sugary, refined carbohydrates like white bread, chips, and crackers break down into sugars in your mouth, ultimately feeding the cavity-causing bacteria.

Here’s the key point: It’s not just the presence of sugar, but the frequency and duration of exposure to it throughout the day. Frequent snacking on sugary or starchy foods allows the acid to constantly attack your tooth enamel, increasing the risk of cavities.

Here are some tips to minimise the risk of cavities:

• Limit sugary and starchy foods: Enjoy them occasionally, but avoid constant snacking.
• Drink plenty of water: Water helps wash away food particles and can help neutralise some acid produced by bacteria.
• Rinse your mouth after meals and snacks: This can help remove food particles and reduce the amount of time your teeth are exposed to sugar and starches.
• Chew sugar-free gum: Chewing sugar-free gum can increase saliva production, which helps wash away food particles and neutralise acid.

Eye and dental clinic: Our services

Here at Eye & Dental clinic, we don’t just deal with fillings, we also provide services for:

• Invisalign.
• General dentistry.
• Composite bonding.
• Dental implants.
• Veneers.
• Dental emergencies.
• Crowns and bridges.
• Dentures.
• Teeth whitening.
• General checkup.

Book an appointment today

In this blog, we hope to have provided an insight into the best material to choose for your tooth filling. Whilst also giving you supplementary guidance, in addition to the stellar, affordable and professional services we offer for your teeth and eyes.

To gain some insight into our amazing team who do their absolute best for you, follow this link. Want to read more? Click here to check out our blog page. You can also contact us here.

Address:

110 Ainsworth Rd, Bury, BL8 2RS, Lancashire.

Telephone:

01615 245 828

Email:

Bury@eyeanddentalclinic.com

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