Feel Great About
Your Oral Health
Fillings, Inlays and Onlays
At Plenty Smiles, we think that everyone should be proud of the way their teeth look. And modern-day dentistry has made it possible for us to create a more natural-looking smile with the help of advanced dental materials and techniques. So if you feel your smile is less than perfect, our team can offer an array of options to you.
A dental filling, inlay or onlay, is a good solution for people who have decay in the teeth. Decay is usually marked by pain. You may also notice a darkening of the tooth or notice that food tends to get stuck there. Having a dental filling will return your tooth to its natural, functional state.
How Decay Occurs
When tooth decay sets in, it can seriously affect your oral health. That’s one of the many reasons we recommend six-month checkups—these give us the best chance to stop decay in its tracks before it can become more serious and costly to address.
Decay happens when you eat food that contains sugar and starch. The bacteria in your mouth live off these foods, turning them into acid. Soon, plaque forms, which will dissolve the outer enamel of the tooth, creating a pit or hole in its wake.
The Materials Used for a Dental Filling
In decades past, amalgam fillings were the standard treatment. Aesthetic concerns and worries about mercury have led to a tooth-coloured material becoming the gold standard for fillings in the mouth. Our white fillings will match the colour and shape of the rest of your tooth, so nobody knows it’s there.
A Quick, Easy Procedure
There’s no need to feel any nervousness about getting a filling. You’ll be in and out in less than 45 minutes. Local anaesthetic is applied to minimise any discomfort involved. You’ll be given breaks to close your mouth so that it doesn’t have to be open the entire time you’re in the dental chair. After applying the filling material to the tooth in question, it will be shaped and polished to a smooth finish.
You may feel a little numb afterward. Within a few hours, however, you’ll be able to eat and drink normally.
Inlays and Onlays
Inlays are fillings that were traditionally made of gold, but now can be porcelain or composite. They’re used to repair moderately damaged back teeth and need to be strong enough to withstand the grinding pressure from these teeth. The inlay is cemented into place at the top and bottom cusp tips of the tooth for stability during grinding.
Safe Amalgam Removal
If your amalgam fillings are worn out or broken, it makes sense to have them replaced with new white fillings. If you feel that your amalgam fillings are contributing to other health problems, or if you are concerned that a mouthful of silver-grey fillings is an underlying factor for other issues (such as a lack of self confidence), we will work with you to determine the best course of action.
When we do remove these fillings, we will take special protective measures to safeguard you as well as ourselves.
Fillings, Inlays and Onlays FAQ’s
Do children get dental fillings?
Yes. With the rise of sugar intake in modern society, the need for fillings in children has also risen. It’s one of the most common dental procedures that kids require outside of having regular checkups.
What are the best ways to prevent needing a filling?
The most effective thing you can do is take good care of your teeth. Brush twice a day, floss every day, and attend your regular checkup appointments. It’s also a good idea to refrain from consuming sugar-laden drinks and foods.
Are there alternatives to having a dental filling?
Dental fillings are one of the more conservative options to repair teeth that have been affected by decay. If the damage is more severe, we may discuss whether a dental crown is appropriate for you. A crown is a cap that covers the entire tooth, protecting it from breaking down any further. If we believe another option is more suitable for you, we’ll be sure to discuss it with you.
Do people opt out of having anaesthetic?
Yes. Sometimes people would prefer not to be under anaesthetic for personal reasons or because their filling is rather small. If you wish to refrain from having anaesthetic, just let us know. We can discuss what you’ll expect during the procedure. We will always accommodate your wants and needs.
Do you provide fluoride treatment?
Yes, fluoride treatment is available at Plenty Smiles. When appropriate, we will recommend it to you. This treatment will give your teeth an extra measure of protection from decay, making it highly effective for people who are prone to such problems.
Are sealants an effective way to prevent decay?
Yes. Fissure sealants are a thin coating that can be applied to teeth. If there are pits in the teeth, they may not require having a filling. A fissure sealant can be applied to protect the grooves from becoming any deeper. They’re also great for younger children who may have a hard time.