Tooth Coloured Fillings

Tooth Coloured Fillings in Ashburton & Ashwood

Fillings are a relatively common procedure. Here at Ashwood Dental, we ensure that they look great and protect your oral health.

Call our Ashburton Dental Clinic today to book your appointment!

What are tooth fillings?

A tooth filling is a type of restorative dental procedure. As its name indicates, it fills a cavity in your tooth. Fillings help prevent infection in addition to restoring your tooth’s appearance and functionality.

Note that people use the terms “dental filling” and “dental bonding” interchangeably. This is because most modern filling materials are bonded to the teeth. The bonding agents are biocompatible and incredibly durable.

What are fillings made of?

Dentists use many different materials. Which one is best for you depends on your tooth’s condition and structure.

In the past, silver amalgam was the go-to material. It consists of silver, zinc, tin, and copper and is super strong. This does not produce the most aesthetically-pleasing filling, and we now know that the materials have negative effects on your teeth and overall health.

Today, the composite resin is the new go-to material. In addition to being very durable, it comes in a variety of shades which allows us to match it to the natural colour of your teeth.

Other materials our office uses include:

If you need dental bonding, call us today! Our experienced dentist in Ashburton will help you decide which material is best for you.

Why might I need a tooth filling?

Patients may need dental bondings for a variety of reasons, some of the most common being:

What happens if I don’t get a filling?

If you neglect to get a dental bonding when you need one, it will only make the problem worse. Cavities leave your teeth at risk for infection. In some cases, you may end up needing a root canal or even an extraction.

What does the procedure look like?

When you call our team, we will get you into the office as soon as possible. Our professionals will examine your mouth to determine if a filling the solution.

During the procedure, we use anesthesia to ensure you don’t feel a thing. We use a drill to clean out the decay. Then, we place the filling material into the cavity.

What does the healing process look like?

Right after the procedure, you may feel numb from the anaesthetic. Additionally, we recommend avoiding foods that are hard, sugary, sticky, extremely hot/cold, etc.

You may experience a change in your bite and/or increased sensitivity. Know that these symptoms should go away after a couple of weeks.

How long your fillings last depends on what material you get and how well you take care of your teeth. For instance, when well taken care of, the composite resin should last around 5-7 years.