The oldest dental filling discovered was in Italy, made of beeswax and estimated to be over 6000 years old filling the space in a man’s cracked tooth.
Thankfully, dentistry has come a long way, and there are now many different options to help manage cracked teeth and cavities and preserve our smile. Let’s explore modern fillings in more detail…
Why might I need a filling?
A cavity is a hole in the tooth, caused by tooth decay which has damaged the enamel. People of all ages get cavities, making fillings one of the most common dental procedures.
Teeth can also become cracked, for example, by biting down on something hard, which may require a filling.
When the tooth enamel is compromised, the most common symptom is pain, especially when chewing with the affected tooth. If you have a cavity, you may also experience sensitivity to cold or hot food and drink.
Dental filling procedure
If you suspect you might need a filling, it’s important to make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. Teeth do not heal themselves, so if left untreated, a crack or cavity can deteriorate, which may lead to infection, further tooth damage and even tooth loss. Your dentist will complete a visual assessment and perhaps take Xrays to understand the extent of the cavity and any tooth decay present.
There are different dental fillings suited for specific needs, such as cavity fillings and surface fillings. The procedure for a filling may vary slightly depending on the materials used and the location of the cavity, but the general steps your dentist will follow are…
- Numb the area using numbing gel and local anaesthetic
- Remove the decayed part of the tooth, using a drill or specialised tool, leaving the area clean and ready for the filling material
- Fill the space with filling material
- Polish the tooth so that it feels natural for you
Fillings take about 20-30 minutes and are a safe, uncomplicated procedure that helps to preserve dental health.
What is a dental filling made of?
Fillings can be made from a range of materials including porcelain and even gold! Composite (white) fillings are a closer match to the natural colour of the tooth, unlike amalgam fillings, which are silver coloured. Also as they may contain traces of metals such as zinc, mercury and other metals, amalgam fillings have been the topic of controversy in dentistry and it is generally agreed that the use of amalgam is a dated dental technique. Some research suggests that the trace amounts of mercury vapour from amalgam fillings may cause reactions in some people and, as such, some are choosing to have their existing amalgam fillings removed.
Your dentist will be able to talk to you about the most suitable filling material for your smile and budget, as well as discuss any concerns you may have about existing amalgam fillings. Visit our page on dental fillings for more information about our fillings.
Do dental fillings hurt?
Most patients agree that the most significant pain of a cavity is experienced before the filling! If you are waiting for your dental appointment and experiencing pain, you may find it helpful to…
- Apply Clove Oil to the affected tooth
- Take over the counter painkillers such as paracetamol
- Brush your teeth with warm water
- Avoid hot or cold foods
- Use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth
After your filling, the area will stay numb for a couple of hours until the anaesthetic wears off. Try avoid hot food and drinks, and take care while chewing. The area around your new filling may feel a little tender for a day or two, but this is usually very minor.
If you’re a little anxious about having a filling, the most important step in easing your stress is to speak to your dentist, either at your appointment or before your appointment. Our team have a kind and gentle manner with experience in dealing with anxious people, check out our blog article on managing dental anxiety and tips to help you stress less.
How long do dental fillings last?
The expected lifespan of dental fillings is up to 15 years depending on the material used and dental hygiene practices. Remember, decay can still develop under or around a filling so it’s important to take good care of your teeth. Brushing, flossing and visiting your dentist regularly all contribute to keeping your fillings and your smile healthy.
Please book an appointment if you would like a dental assessment or a preventative dental checkup. We are here to take care of you and your smile!
Disclaimer
All information is general and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Lillybrook Dental can consult with you to confirm if this procedure is right for you.
References:
A Beeswax Dental Filling that Lasted over 6500 Years. Accessed Saturday 13th July 2024 from https://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/25/science/a-beeswax-dental-filling-that-lasted-6500-years.html#:~:text=Ancient%20dentistry%20has%20been%20discovered,evidence%20of%20a%20dental%20filling
Cavities-How to tell if I have one. Accessed Saturday 13th July 2024 from https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/dental-health-cavities
Clove Oil for Toothache. Accessed Saturday 13th July 2024 from https://www.healthline.com/health/clove-oil-toothache
Dental Amalgam Fillings. Accessed Sunday 14th July 2024 from https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/dental-devices/dental-amalgam-fillings
Medical Device Safety Issues-Amalgam and Other Dental Filling Materials. Accessed Sunday 14th July 2024 from https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/hot/alerts/amalgam-fillings.asp
What to know about Cavity Fillings and the Procedure. Accessed Saturday 13th July 2024 from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cavity-filling
